At the end of the Eucharistic Celebration on the parvis of Saint Peter’s Basilica, during which ten Blesseds were canonized, the Holy Father Francis led the recitation of the Regina Caeli with the faithful and pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter’s Square.

The following are the Pope’s words of introduction to the Marian prayer:

Before the Regina Caeli

At the end of the Eucharistic Celebration on the parvis of Saint Peter’s Basilica, during which ten Blesseds were canonized, the Holy Father Francis led the recitation of the Regina Caeli with the faithful and pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter’s Square.

The following are the Pope’s words of introduction to the Marian prayer:

Before the Regina Caeli

Dear brothers and sisters,

Before concluding this Eucharistic celebration, I wish to greet and thank you all: the brother Cardinals, the bishops, the priests, the men and women religious, especially those who belong to the spiritual families of the new Saints, and you, all the faithful, the faithful People of God, gathered here from many parts of the world.

I greet the official delegations from several countries, in particular Mr. President of the Italian Republic. It is good to see that, with their evangelical witness, these Saints have fostered the spiritual and social growth of their respective nations and also of the entire human family. While sadly in the world distances grow, and tensions and wars increase, may the new Saints inspire solutions of togetherness and ways of dialogue, especially in the hearts and minds of those who hold positions of great responsibility and are called upon to be agents of peace, not war.

I greet you all, dear pilgrims, as well as those who have followed this Mass via the media.

And now, let us turn to the Virgin Mary, so that she may help us joyfully imitate the example of the new Saints.