The end of the Holy Mass celebrated today on the parvis of the Vatican Basilica for World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the Holy Father Francis led the recitation of the Angelus prayer with the faithful and pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter’s Square.

The following is the Pope’s introduction to the Marian prayer:

Before the Angelus

Dear brothers and sisters,

I wish to greet all of you who have participated in this moment of prayer, with which we have renewed the attention of the Church for the various categories of vulnerable people on the move. In union with the faithful of all the dioceses in the world, we have celebrated the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, to reaffirm the need that no-one be excluded from society, whether he be a citizen resident for a long time, or newly arrived.

To underline this commitment, I will shortly inaugurate the sculpture that has as its theme these words from the Letter to the Hebrews: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (13: 2). This sculpture, in bronze and clay, depicts a group of migrants of various cultures and different historical periods. I wanted this work of art here in Saint Peter’s Square, so that it may remind all of the Gospel challenge of hospitality.

Tomorrow, Monday 30 September, in Cameroon, a meeting of national dialogue will begin, in search of a solution to the difficult crisis that has afflicted the country for years. As I feel close to the sufferings and hopes of the beloved Cameroon population, I invite you all to pray that this dialogue may be fruitful and lead to just and lasting solutions, to the benefit of all. May Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede for us.