In his words after the Angelus on Thursday, 8 December 2022, the Pope expressed his closeness to the suffering people of Ukraine. I think of Angel’s words to the Virgin Mary: “Nothing is impossible to God” (Lk 1:37).
Finally, the Holy Father greeted the faithful and pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, wishing everyone a Happy Feast of Mary Immaculate and a good Advent journey.
Below are the Pope’s words after the Angelus prayer, provided by the Holy See Press Office:
After the Angelus
Dear brothers and sisters!
I greet you all, Romans and pilgrims. In particular, I greet the followers of the Christian Workers’ Movement and the representation from Rocca di Papa with the torch that will light the Christmas Star at the summit of the town.
On the Feast of Mary Immaculate, Italian Catholic Action is living the renewal of its membership. I address my thought to its diocesan and parish associations, encouraging everyone to go forward with joy in the service of the Gospel and of the Church.
This afternoon I will go to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major to pray to the Salus Populi Romani, and straight afterwards to the Spanish Steps to perform the traditional act of homage and prayer at the foot of the monument to Mary Immaculate. I ask you to join with me spiritually in this gesture, which expresses filial devotion to our Mother, to whose intercession we entrust the universal desire for peace, in particular for martyred Ukraine, which suffers greatly. I think of the Angel’s words to Mary: “With God nothing will be impossible”. With God’s help, peace is possible; disarmament is possible. But God wants our good will. May Our Lady help us to convert to God’s plans.
I wish you all a blessed feast day and a good Advent journey, to all those who are here: to the young people of the Immacolata, today it is their feast! May Our Lady help us. God wants our good will: may Our Lady help us to convert to God’s plans. Happy feast day, and a happy Advent journey, and please, do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch, and arrivederci!
