Pope Francis at Angelus "...the Virgin Mary, the first and perfect disciple of the Lord, to help us to follow the example of the new Saints."

St. Peter's Square
Sunday, October 14th 2018


Dear brothers and sisters,

Before concluding this Mass, I wish to greet and thank all of you.

I thank the Cardinals and the many Bishops and priests from all over the world.

My deferential gratitude goes to the official Delegations of many countries, who have come to pay homage to the new Saints, who have contributed to the spiritual and social progress of their respective nations. In particular I greet His Majesty the Queen Sofia, the President of the Italian Republic, the Presidents of Chile, El Salvador and Panama.

A special thought I address to His Grace Rowan Williams and to the delegation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, with deep gratitude for their presence.

My greeting goes to all of you, dear pilgrims, as well as those who follow through radio and television. In particular, I greet the large group of ACLI, who were very grateful to Pope Paul VI.

And now we address ourselves in prayer to the Virgin Mary, the first and perfect disciple of the Lord, to help us to follow the example of the new Saints.