Pope Francis to Pilgrims of Naples: This is love: unites and grows together

In a message aimed at the faithful of the Archdiocese of Naples and other dioceses gathered in Rome on the occasion of his jubilee pilgrimage, Pope Francis stressed the importance of unity in faith and charity.

Although he could not be physically present, the Holy Father express From the Gemelli hospital his “great joy” for the spiritual closeness of the pilgrims: “United to me and among you in the Lord Jesus, as a church.”

“This is love: unites and grows together,” said the pontiff, citing the passage of the Gospel in which Jesus invites his disciples to enter “through the narrow door” (Mt 7,13).

Then, Francisco encouraged the faithful to strengthen the Christian commitment of the unity: “Although they cover different paths, they have come here together, before Peter’s tomb, where they can leave again strengthened in faith and more united in charity.”

The message was read by Cardinal Domenico Battaglia, Archbishop of Naples, during the Mass held in the Plaza de San Pedro this Saturday, March 22. In him, the Pope also thanked prayers and asked to continue praying for him and the Church.

“I bless you and I pray for you. And I ask you: keep praying for me. Thank you!” He concluded.

In a jubilee year marked by the invitation to conversion and spiritual renewal, the pilgrimage of Neapolitans and other faithful becomes a sign of ecclesial communion. From the tomb of San Pedro, the pilgrims were sent back to their communities strengthened in the faith, as the Pope urged in his message.