Welcome to the latest update from the Vatican! Today, at noon, the Holy Father Francis made a special appearance at the window of the study in the Vatican Apostolic Palace. He gathered with around 20,000 pilgrims and faithful in St. Peter’s Square to recite the Angelus.
Here are the heartfelt words of the Pope as he began the Marian prayer:
Words of the Pope
“Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!”
The Gospel reading for today (Jn 2:1-11) recounts the first miracle of Jesus, turning water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana. This event symbolizes the abundance and generosity of Jesus’ mission. In times of lack, Jesus provides superabundance, just as he did at the wedding feast.
God’s response to our shortcomings is always overflowing with abundance. Even when we feel lacking in strength or hope, God’s blessings are boundless. The more we lack, the greater the superabundance of God’s grace. In our lives, when we feel like the wine is running out, God fills our cup to overflowing.
Let us turn to the Virgin Mary, the woman of the new wine, to intercede for us and help us rediscover the joy of encountering Jesus, especially in this Jubilee year.
After the Angelus, the Pope shared some important messages with the gathered crowd:
The Pope expressed gratitude for the ceasefire in Gaza, thanking all the mediators involved. He emphasized the need for hope and peace in the region, urging dialogue, reconciliation, and humanitarian aid for those in need.
He also celebrated the recent release of inmates in Cuba as a gesture of hope, calling for more initiatives that inspire confidence and goodwill among people.
As we pray for Christian unity and peace in troubled regions like Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and Myanmar, the Pope sends his blessings to all gathered in St. Peter’s Square and around the world. Remember to keep him in your prayers, enjoy your Sunday, and until next time, arrivederci!
