Pope reflects on visit to Portugal, Fatima message

May 19, 2010

Pope Benedict XVI used his weekly public audience on May 19 to reflect on his visit last week to Portugal, where he said he had become "a pilgrim among pilgrims" at the Fatima shrine.

Recalling each event during his visit, the Pope highlighted the Mass at Fatima on May 13, which an estimated 500,000 people attended. He said that his intention was to call renewed attention to "the demanding but consoling message the Virgin left us at Fatima is full of hope."

As he had done during his visit to the Marian shrine, the Pope at his Wednesday audience emphasized the basic spiritual message of Our Lady of Fatima, rather than the much-discussed political implications. "It is a message that focuses on prayer, penance and conversion," he said-- "a message projected beyond the threats, dangers and horrors of history, inviting humankind to have faith in the action of God, to cultivate great hope, and to experience the grace of the Lord in order to love Him, the source of love and peace."

 

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Further information:

• Benedict XVI Recalls his Recent Trip to Portugal (VIS)