Vatican City, 27 April 2014 (VIS) –
Following the Mass celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica for the
canonisation of the two Blessed Pontiffs, John XXIII and John Paul
II, and before reciting the Regina Coeli, the Holy Father greeted the
faithful and pilgrims in St. Peter's Square and in the adjacent
streets. He thanked the cardinals, bishops, priests, official
delegations from the various countries, and the Italian authorities
“who have come to pay homage to the two Pontiffs who have made an
indelible contribution to the cause of the development of peoples and
of peace”.
The Pope affectionately greeted
pilgrims from the dioceses of Bergamo and Krakow, and encouraged them
to honour the memory of the saints, continuing with their teachings.
Likewise, he thanked the diocese of Rome, Cardinal Vallini, the
municipal authorities, the mayor and the forces of order, as well as
the different organisations and volunteers “who with great
generosity have prepared these memorable days”. He also thanked the
media for making it possible for so many people to participate, and
mentioned the elderly and the sick, commenting that the two new
saints were very close to them.
Pope Francis then prayed to the Virgin
Mary, “whom St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II loved like true
sons”. After welcoming the official delegations, and for the first
time in a canonisation or beatification ceremony, Pope Francis toured
St. Peter's Square and Via della Conciliazione in the Popemobile to
bless and greet the pilgrims who participated in this historic event.
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