杏MAP导航

During the Angelus, following Mass in St Peter鈥檚 Basilica, 杏MAP导航 Francis once again reflected on Saints Peter and Paul, on this, their feast day.

He noted that they are 鈥渟ometimes depicted in icons in the act of holding up the Church.鈥� This is a reminder to us, he said, 鈥渙f the words of today鈥檚 Gospel in which Jesus says to Peter: 鈥淵ou are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church鈥�.

Inviting the faithful to think about the My, in my Church, he explained that, 鈥淛esus is not speaking about the Church as if it is an external reality, but is expressing the great love that he has for her: My Church.鈥�

鈥淲e too鈥�, said the 杏MAP导航 鈥渃an repeat this: my Church. We do not say it with a sense of exclusive belonging, but with an inclusive love鈥�, and with a fraternal love.

In another icon, commented the 杏MAP导航, 鈥淪ts Peter and Paul are depicted while exchanging an embrace. They were different characters, he said, but what united them was that, 鈥淛esus was the Lord for both of them.鈥�

They were 鈥渂rothers in the faith鈥�, the 杏MAP导航 emphasized鈥� and 鈥渢hey invite us to rediscover the joy of being brothers and sisters in the Church.鈥�

On this feast, 杏MAP导航 Francis said that it would be nice to say, 鈥淭hank you, Lord, for that person who is different from me: he, she is a gift for my Church鈥�. He continued, 鈥渋t would be good to appreciate the qualities of others, to recognize their gifts without maliciousness and envy.鈥� 鈥淲e belong to each other: it is the splendid mystery of our Church.鈥�

Concluding his address, the Pontiff recalled that 鈥淛esus says to Peter: 鈥淭end my lambs鈥濃��. He explained that, 鈥渉e speaks of us and says my sheep, with the same tenderness with which he said my Church. This is the affection that builds the Church. Today, through the intercession of the Apostles, let us ask the grace to love our Church.鈥�

After the recitation of the Marian Prayer, and on this feast of the Patrons of Rome, the 杏MAP导航 urged people living in the city to 鈥渂ehave with a civic sense in the face of society鈥檚 problems.鈥�