Pope Francis presented St. Peter and St. Paul as "two Apostles in love with the Lord, two pillars of the Church's faith," and encouraged that "we celebrate Peter and Paul by living the following and proclaiming the Gospel," in his homily at the Mass and blessing of the pallium for the new archbishops, celebrated in the Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul in St. Peter's Basilica.
"It is beautiful if we grow as a Church of discipleship, as a humble Church that never takes for granted the search for the Lord. It is beautiful if we become a Church going out, which does not find its joy in the things of the world, but in announcing the Gospel to the world, to sow the question of God in the hearts of people," he added.
The canopy
"Bring the Lord Jesus everywhere," the Pontiff encouraged, "with humility and joy: in our city of Rome, in our families, in relationships and neighborhoods, in civil society, in the Church, in politics, in the whole world, especially where poverty, degradation and marginalization nestle."
"And today, as some of our brother archbishops receive the pallium, a sign of communion with the Church of Rome," the Pope continued, "I would like to say to them: be apostles like Peter and Paul. Be disciples in following and apostles in proclaiming the Gospel, carrying the beauty of the Gospel everywhere, together with all the People of God".
Ecumenical Patriarchate
The Pope has addressed "an affectionate greeting to the Delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchatesent here on behalf of my dear Brother His Holiness Bartholomew. Thank you for your presence, thank you: let us go forward together in following and proclaiming the Word, growing in fraternity. May Peter and Paul accompany us and intercede for all of us".
Before the Marian prayer of the AngelusFrancis stressed that "Peter and Paul They were real people, and today, more than ever, we need real people. He then prayed to Our Lady: "Mary, Queen of Apostles, help us to imitate the fortitude, generosity and humility of Saints Peter and Paul".
