Benedict XVI joins Pope Francis in consecrating Vatican to St Michael Archangel
(Vatican Radio) To the joy of Vatican City State workers, Friday morning Pope Francis
was joined by Pope emeritus Benedict XVI in the gardens for a ceremony during which
the Holy Father blessed a statue of St Michael Archangel, at the same time consecrating
the Vatican to the Archangel’s protection.
Following a brief ceremony, Pope
Francis addressed those present noting how St. Michael defends the People of God from
its enemy par excellence, the devil. He said even if the devil attempts to disfigure
the face of the Archangel and thus the face of humanity, St Michael wins, because
God acts in him and is stronger: "In the Vatican Gardens there are several works
of art. But this, which has now been added, takes on particular importance, in its
location as well as the meaning it expresses. In fact it is not just celebratory work
but an invitation to reflection and prayer, that fits well into the Year of Faith.
Michael - which means "Who is like God" - is the champion of the primacy of God, of
His transcendence and power. Michael struggles to restore divine justice and defends
the People of God from his enemies, above all by the enemy par excellence,
the devil. And St. Michael wins because in him, there is He God who acts. This sculpture
reminds us then that evil is overcome, the accuser is unmasked, his head crushed,
because salvation was accomplished once and for all in the blood of Christ. Though
the devil always tries to disfigure the face of the Archangel and that of humanity,
God is stronger, it is His victory and His salvation that is offered to all men. We
are not alone on the journey or in the trials of life, we are accompanied and supported
by the Angels of God, who offer, so to speak, their wings to help us overcome so many
dangers, in order to fly high compared to those realities that can weigh down our
lives or drag us down. In consecrating Vatican City State to St. Michael the Archangel,
I ask him to defend us from the evil one and banish him. "
"We also consecrate
Vatican City State in St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus, the guardian of the Holy Family.
May his presence make us stronger and more courageous in making space for God in our
lives to always defeat evil with good. We ask Him to protect, take care of us, so
that a life of grace grows stronger in each of us every day. "