Vatican City, May 5, 2013 / 05:57 am
At the end of Mass, Pope Francis noted that the Day of Child Victims of Violence is observed today and assured all those who "have suffered and are suffering because of abuse" that they "are present in my prayers."
"I would also say emphatically that we must all commit ourselves with clarity and courage to every human person, especially children, who are among the most vulnerable," the Pope told the crowd of thousands on May 5, before reciting the Regina Caeli prayer.
He also spoke to the groups from throughout Europe who are devoted to particular saints and were present at the Mass.
"The love for Our Lady is one of the characteristics of popular piety, which needs to be valued and well oriented," the Pope explained.
He invited them to "meditate on the last chapter of the Constitution of the Second Vatican Council on the Church, Lumen Gentium, which speaks precisely of Mary in the mystery of Christ and the Church."
"There it is said that Mary 'advanced in her pilgrimage of faith' (n. 58). Dear friends, in the Year of Faith I leave this icon of Mary's pilgrimage, which follows her Son Jesus and precedes all of us in the journey of faith," he said.
Pope Francis also greeted all of the Eastern Christian Churches that use the Julian Calendar and are celebrating Easter today.
"I wish to send to these brothers and sisters a special greeting, uniting myself with all my heart to them in proclaiming the good news: Christ is risen! he exclaimed.
The beatification of Blessed Francisca de Paula De Jesus, who was known as "mother of the poor," also drew the Pope's notice.