"Hope needs to be restored to our European societies, especially to the new generations" he told people gathered in St Peter's Square for his weekly general audience on September 27.

"In fact, how can we welcome others if we ourselves do not first have a horizon open to the future?" he said.

"Our societies, many times sickened by individualism, by consumerism and by empty escapism, need to open themselves, their souls and spirits to be oxygenised, and then they will be able to read the crisis as an opportunity and deal with it positively," he emphasised.

Human-centric outlook

Reflecting on his recent visit to Marseille, France for the "Rencontres Méditerranéennes," or Mediterranean Encounter, the Pope highlighted the importance of fostering a human-centric outlook when confronting issues in the Mediterranean region, such as immigration.

He noted the emergence of hope and fraternity, even among those who have endured inhumane conditions.

He encouraged the continent of Europe to cultivate this passion and enthusiasm so that the Mediterranean region could be "a mosaic of civilisation and hope" rather than "a tomb" or a "place of conflict".

"The Mediterranean Sea," the pope said, "is the complete opposite of the clash between civilisations, war and human trafficking."

The Pope's visit to Marseille left a lasting impression of hope and humanity. He thanked the people of Marseille and President Emmanuel Macron for their warmth and support during his visit.

"Today's liturgical memorial of St Vincent de Paul reminds us of the centrality of love of neighbour" the pope said. "I urge everyone to cultivate the attitude of caring for others and openness to those who need you."

Sources

Catholic News Agency

National Catholic Reporter

CathNews New Zealand

The 85-year-old was met with cries of 'Long live the pope' as he entered the square still decorated with 40,000 flowers laid out for last weekend's Easter celebrations.

With restrictions lifted, thousands of adoring Christians were able to show their appreciation for the pope. Many had travelled across Europe and the rest of the world to attend the general audience.

The Pope shook hands with audience members for the first time since social distancing measures were lifted in Vatican city.

The Argentine pontiff smiled and laughed as he blessed pilgrims. However, he appeared to be suffering again from the knee pain that has limited his activities in recent months.

Odile Lafarge came from France with her grandson to see him, telling AFP: "He always has a message of peace and reconciliation. Our world really needs that.

"What struck me when we arrived is how many young people there are here.... it shows there is a future, a flame burning in them."

Many in the crowd waved flags from their country of origin, including several from Ukraine. The pope has repeatedly prayed for the country since the Russian invasion nearly two months ago.

In his address, the pontiff thanked Poland for taking in the bulk of the estimated five million Ukrainians in Europe's worst refugee crisis since World War II.

"May God reward you for your goodness," he said.

The pope's weekly audience traditionally draws thousands of people. However, it has not been held in the vast St Peter's Square since February 2020 when coronavirus hit.

Francis initially delivered his audiences via video link from the Apostolic Library. Then he held them in the San Damaso Courtyard in the Vatican, where numbers could be limited.

Pope Francis smiled and opened his arms wide in an embrace at the end of the general audience.

Sources

The Daily Mail

Vatican News

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

We continue the catechesis on prayer and in this catechesis, I would like to reflect on contemplative prayer.

The contemplative dimension of the human being—which is not yet contemplative prayer—is a bit like the "salt" of life: it gives flavour, it seasons our day. We can contemplate by gazing at the sun that rises in the morning, or at the trees that deck themselves out in spring green; we can contemplate by listening to music or to the sounds of the birds, reading a book, gazing at a work of art or at that masterpiece that is the human face…

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