Pope Benedict XVI - Weekly General Audience in English
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Continuing our catechesis on the Christian culture of
the Middle Ages, we now turn to Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the greatest figures
of the Church’s history. The story of Saint Francis’ life and conversion, and his
complete devotion to Christ, poor and suffering, is well known. After gathering a
small group of companions and followers, including Saint Clare, Francis sought the
approval of Pope Innocent III for his movement which was completely committed to the
renewal of the Church in holiness and to the preaching of the Gospel. Near the end
of his life, Francis’ configuration to the Crucified Lord culminated in his reception
of the stigmata at La Verna. His deep piety found expression in a great devotion
to the Eucharist, as the sacrament of Christ’s real presence, and his love for creation
as God’s handiwork. The life and teaching of Saint Francis has inspired countless
people to the imitation of Christ through the embrace of inward and outward poverty.
May his example teach us ever greater love for the Lord and his Church, and help us
to know the immense spiritual joy born of the imitation of Christ and the pursuit
of holiness. * * *A warm welcome to all of the English speaking pilgrims present
at today’s audience! I particularly greet high school students from Jordan and Israel,
members of the initiative Aqabat Eilat: “one more step towards peace”, students and
faculty from the Bossey Graduate School of Ecumenical Studies, as well as pilgrims
from England, Gibraltar, Hong Kong and the United States. God bless you all!