Thanking all the organizers of the event, called World Youth Day, “A valuable opportunity for many young people to experience the joy and beauty of belonging to the Church and living the faith.”
The Holy Father’s words of encouragement for World Youth Day organizers and participants came after his appeals for reconciliation and lasting peace in both Syria and Iraq – and before his traditional greetings to pilgrims, which he offered as usual also in English:
I greet all the English-speaking visitors present at today’s Angelus prayer. In the Gospel this morning, our Lord miraculously offers food to the crowds, leaving a sign of God’s immeasurable providence in the Eucharist. Strengthened by that Sacrifice, may we always work for the spiritual nourishment of our brethren, not forgetting the poor and needy. God bless you and your loved ones!