Dear brothers and sisters, before concluding the celebration, I would like to extend my warm greetings to all of you who have gathered here to pray in this great “cenacle” together with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. You represent the wide range of associations, movements and communities that are inspired by Marian devotion, which is proper to every Christian. I thank you and urge you always to base your spirituality on Sacred Scripture and the Tradition of the Church.

I greet all the groups of pilgrims, in particular the Augustinian laity of Italy and the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites.

In recent days, the agreement to begin the peace process has given a spark of hope in the Holy Land. I encourage the parties involved to continue courageously on the path they have chosen, towards a just and lasting peace that respects the legitimate aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Two years of conflict have caused death and destruction throughout the land, especially in the hearts of those who have brutally lost their children, parents, friends and possessions. With the entire Church, I am close to your immense pain. The gentle touch of the Lord is directed especially toward you today, in the certainty that even amidst the deepest darkness, he always remains with us: “Dilexi te, I have loved you.” We ask God, who is the true Peace of humanity, to heal all wounds and to help us with his grace to accomplish what now seems humanly impossible: to remember that the other is not an enemy, but a brother or sister to be seen, forgiven and offered the hope of reconciliation.

With sorrow, I have followed the news of the recent violent attacks that struck several cities and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, causing the death of innocent people, including children, and leaving many families without electricity and heating. My heart goes out to those who suffer, who have been living in anguish and deprivation for years. I renew my appeal to put an end to violence, to stop destruction, to open up to dialogue and peace!

I am close to the dear people of Peru at this time of political transition. I pray that Peru may continue on the path of reconciliation, dialogue and national unity.

Today in Italy, we remember the victims of workplace accidents: let us pray for them and for the safety of all workers.

And now let us turn to Mary with filial trust.

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