At the conclusion of this Eucharistic celebration, I offer a cordial greeting to all those participating in the Jubilee for Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly! You have gathered here from every part of the world, with delegations from 131 countries.

I am particularly happy to welcome so many children, who restore our hope! I greet all the families, which are small domestic churches where the message of the Gospel is received and passed on. The family, Saint John Paul II said, “has its origin in that same love with which the Creator embraces the created world” (Letter to Families Gratissimam Sane, 2).  May faith, hope and love always increase in our families. In a special way, I greet grandparents and the elderly, you are models of genuine faith and an inspiration for the younger generation. Thank you for coming!

I extend my greeting to all the pilgrims present, especially those from the Diocese of Mondovì, in Piedmont.

Today in Italy, and in many parts of the world, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is being celebrated. It is a beautiful feast, which makes us look forward to the goal of our earthly journey. In this regard, I would note that yesterday, in Braniewo, Poland, Cristofora Klomfass and fourteen other Sisters of the Congregation of Saint Catherine Virgin and Martyr, were beatified; they were killed in 1945 when the Red Army invaded Poland. Despite a climate of hatred and of terror against the Catholic faith, they persevered in their service to the sick and orphans. Let us commend to the intercession of the new Blessed Martyrs all those women religious throughout the world who devote themselves generously for the sake of God’s Kingdom.

I also recall that today is World Communications Day, and I thank media professionals who, by ensuring the ethical quality of their messages, help families in their educational task.

May the Virgin Mary bless families everywhere and sustain them in their trials. I think especially of those families suffering due to war in the Middle East, in Ukraine and in other parts of the world.  May the Mother of God help us to press forward together on the path of peace.

01.06.25 rc