This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience a delegation of the “Mother Teresa Awards”.

The following are the Pope’s words to those present at the meeting:

Words of the Holy Father

Thank you for this visit, so full of affection and full of messages: the message of poverty, the message of closeness, the message of brotherhood, the message of prayer, which is the legacy Mother Teresa has always given us. Even prayer in the darkest moments, because this woman went through real spiritual tempests with darkness within, but continued to pray. Courageous!

May Mother Teresa help us from heaven to live poverty with simplicity and with prayer. In this way we can help others, and it is not mere aid; that is good, charitable aid is good, but it is pagan. Christian is closeness, charity with prayer. And this is good.

Now I will give the blessing to you all.