Pope’s general audience of April 23

April 23, 2014 - Pope Francis held his general audience on Easter Wednesday underscoring the hope of the resurrection of Christ that transforms life. The general audience is an opportunity for pilgrims and tourists visiting Rome to see and hear the Pope, and also receive his blessing. The general audience of April 23, the name feast of Pope Francis who was baptized Jorge, the Spanish for George, was held in the open, in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square. It began with aides reading the Easter account from St. Luke’s Gospel in several languages.
Listen:

Pope Francis then delivered his main discourse in Italian - summaries of which were read out by aides in various languages, including in English. But first, the aide greeted the Pope on behalf of the English-speaking pilgrims.
Listen:

… Dear Brothers and Sisters: The joy of Easter is born of our faith in Christ’s resurrection and his continuing presence in the Church and in our world. With the resurrection, all has been made new and fresh hope has been poured out upon our world. The question which the angel asked the women on the morning of the resurrection is directed to us as well: “Why do you seek the living among the dead”? (Lk 24:5). The Gospel shows us three examples of a life-changing encounter with the Risen Lord and invites us to a similar encounter. Like Thomas, we need to grasp the reality of Christ’s rising to new life. Like Mary Magdalene, we need to hear Jesus’ voice calling our name. And like the travellers on the road to Emmaus, we need to find renewed joy and hope by recognizing that the Lord is ever at our side. These disciples sought the living among the dead, yet Jesus led them, by different paths, to faith in him and the power of his resurrection. Today he challenges each of us to seek him, the Living One, and to leave behind everything that holds us back from encountering him and sharing in the rebirth, the freedom and the hope which he alone can give.

Pope Francis then greeted the English-speaking pilgrims in Italian.
Listen:

… I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims taking part in today’s Audience, including those from Scotland, Sweden, Finland and the United States. I offer a special greeting to the newly-ordained deacons from the Pontifical Irish College, as well as their families and friends. Upon all of you, and upon your families, I invoke the joy and peace of the Risen Lord. God bless you all! (BLESSING)