Bari: Greetings to pilgrims and the faithful

At the conclusion of the meeting which took place this morning inside the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari (Italy), the Holy Father greeted the faithful and pilgrims who were waiting outside.

Greetings of the Holy Father, Pope Francis

addressed to pilgrims and the faithful

outside the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas

Good morning, good morning to all of you!

I want to thank you, because I know that you have helped, that you are helping the work of the Pastors who are gathered here, with your prayers.  Thank you, for your prayers are truly the strength, the strength of the Christian community.  The Pastors are praying, but they have to work during these days of reflection.  However, they feel that they are being accompanied and they are counting on your prayers.  I thank you very much for this work, for this apostolate of prayer, prayers for the Church.  Don't forget: to pray for the Church, for your Pastors ... and in difficult moments, you need to pray even more, asking the Lord to come and help us to resolve the problems.

Now, I want to give you my blessing, but first of all, let us pray to Our Lady.  She prayed so much during her life.  She prayed so much, she is still praying, accompanying the Church.

Hail Mary ...

(Blessing)