Francis reminds the new blessed of La Rioja: "the martyrs of faith"

Sofía Lobos – Vatican City

On Sunday, April 28, Pope Francis went to the window of the Apostolic Palace to pray the Marian prayer of Regina Coeli, accompanied by his usual commentary on the Gospel. Under a cloudy and rainy sky, the Plaza de San Pedro gathered thousands of faithful and pilgrims who did not want to miss the usual Sunday meeting with the Holy Father.

Martyrs of faith

Before praying to the Mother of God, the Pope dedicated a special thought to the four new Blesseds of Argentina:

"Yesterday in La Rioja, Argentina, the blessed were proclaimed, Enrique Ángel Angelelli, diocesan bishop, Carlos de Dios Murias, conventual Franciscan, Gabriel Longueville, priest fidei donum and catechist Wenceslao Pedernera.These martyrs of the faith were persecuted by justice and evangelical charity, may His example and intercession support in particular those who work for a more just and united society, and give applause to the new blessed! "said Francisco.

Refugees detained in Libya

Likewise, the Bishop of Rome invited those present to join his prayer for the refugees who are in detention centers in Libya, whose situation, which is already very serious, is even more dangerous because of the ongoing conflict: to ensure that women, children and the sick, in particular, can be evacuated as soon as possible through humanitarian corridors. "

Floods in South Africa

Similarly, Francis asked for prayers for those who lost their lives or suffered serious damage during the recent floods in South Africa, "so that our brothers do not lack our solidarity and the concrete support of the international community. ".

I greet the pilgrims

Finally, the pope greeted all the Roman faithful and pilgrims from Italy and several countries, including the faithful of Tlalnepantla (Mexico), the young people of Valencia, the students of Tricase, the adolescents of Arcore and those of Carugo; the faithful of Modugno and Genoa.

He also greeted in particular the diocesan pilgrimage of the families of the archdiocese of Trani-Barletta-Bisceglie, as well as the faithful of the Divine mercy gathered today in the church of Santo Spirito in Sbadia.

"To our brothers and sisters of the Eastern Churches who, today, celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar, I address my cordial congratulations. May the risen Lord give you joy and peace! Finally, I thank all those who have sent me Easter greetings in recent days. I give them back with enthusiasm, invoking all the good for each family. Good Sunday and do not forget to pray for me. Have a nice lunch and see you soon, "concluded the Pontiff.