Open your hearts to Christ's mission: Pope to the youth at Angelus
July 15, 2013: Pope Francis on Sunday visited the hill top town of Castelgandolfo,
urging the thousands of locals and visitors to be visible signs of hope and peace
in the world. Some ten thousand people, led by the mayor and bishop of nearby Albano,
gathered in the square and side streets surrounding the papal summer residence ahead
of the Holy Father’s arrival on Sunday morning.
Greeting each and every well-wisher
in Castelgandolfo, Pope Francis thanked especially the religious and civil authorities,
as well as all the staff who work in the Pontifical Villa where popes have traditionally
spent time over the summer period – in particular he remembered his two immediate
predecessors, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Blessed Pope John Paul II
Speaking
at the midday Angelus prayer, Pope Francis reflected on the Sunday Gospel which recounts
the story of the Good Samaritan and recalled the figure of a 16th century Italian
priest who is popularly known as a patron saint of the sick and all who care for them.
St Camillo de Lellis, who died on July 14th 1614, founded a congregation known as
the Camillians recognized by a large red cross on their cassocks which they wore as
they took care of the sick and dying on the battlefield. Today, the anniversary of
his death, marks the opening of a year of celebrations for the four centenaries of
those who have followed in his footsteps and Pope Francis prayed especially for all
doctors, nurses and healthcare workers who continue to work as Good Samaritans in
our suffering world today.
The Pope also looked ahead to his forthcoming visit
to Brazil to celebrate World Youth Day with hundreds of thousands of young people
from all over the world. He prayed for all those taking part in the pilgrimage to
Rio de Janeiro, that their hearts may be open to the mission that Christ gives them.
Joking with his enthusiastic audience, Pope Francis said there are clearly many young
people here today, but he congratulated everyone present for feeling 'young at heart!'
Following
the recitation of the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis remembered Christians in Ukraine
who are today marking the 70th anniversary of a Second World War massacre of tens
of thousands of Polish civilians by a Ukrainian nationalist militia. The Pope prayed
for all the dead and injured, as well as asking God for the grace of true reconciliation
between the peoples of Poland and Ukraine.