(Vatican Radio) 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.