At the end of the general audience on Wednesday, May 8, Pope Francis entrusted the pilgrims to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and invited them to pray the Rosary for peace in Europe and the world.
Jānis Evertovskis – Vatican
Addressing the Italian-speaking believers, Francis reminded that on May 8, the Church sends its prayers and requests to Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii. “I call on everyone”, he said, “to invoke Mary’s intercession, so that the Lord may grant peace to the world, especially to the dear and tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Myanmar”.
The Holy Father entrusted especially the young, the sick, the elderly and the newlyweds to Our Lady, and invited everyone to appreciate the prayer of the Rosary in this month of May.
Warmly greeting the Polish pilgrims, the Pope reminded that on this day the faithful in Poland commemorate their heavenly patron, bishop and martyr, Saint Stanislaus. “Pope John Paul II wrote,” said Francis, “that this saint from heaven always shared the suffering and hopes of your people, helping them to survive, especially during the Second World War. May the patronage of Saint Stanislav continue to bring peace to Europe and the whole world, especially Ukraine and the Middle East. I bless you with all my heart”.
