Newly canonized Popes were ‘true sons’ of the Virgin Mary, says Pope Francis

April 28, 2014

At the conclusion of the Mass of canonization of John XXIII and John Paul II, Pope Francis delivered a brief address before praying the Regina Caeli.

Pope Francis thanked the members of the various national delegations for their attendance and expressed gratitude to civil leaders and the cardinal vicar of Rome for their work in preparing for the canonization.

The Pope also greeted pilgrims, including the sick and the elderly, “to whom the new saints were particularly close.” Saints John XXIII and John Paul II, he added, “contributed in an indelible manner to the cause of the development of peoples and of peace” and loved the Virgin Mary “as her true sons.”

 

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Further information:

• Le parole del Papa alla recita del Regina Caeli (Holy See Press Office)