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.