| Embrace shows reconciliation, promises unity On Tuesday, 29 June, Solemnity of the Patron Saints of Rome, Peter
and Paul, the Holy Father delivered the following Address in Italian to
the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square, prior to leading the prayer of
the Angelus.
1. The Church is celebrating the feast day of the
Holy Apostles Peter and Paul: the fisherman of Galilee who first
professed faith in Christ, and the teacher and doctor who proclaimed
salvation to the Gentiles (cf. Preface). Through the design of
divine Providence they both came to Rome where they suffered martyrdom
within a few years. From that time, the city that had been the capital of
a great empire was called to a very different glory: to be the home of the
Apostolic See that presides over the universal mission of the
Church to spread throughout the world the Gospel of Christ, Redeemer
of humanity and of history.
Pope and Patriarch together
2. This year, today's Solemnity is gladdened by the presence of His
Holiness Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, whom I
have just had the joy of welcoming and greeting. His welcome visit has a
special reason: 40 years ago, to be precise, in January 1964, Pope Paul
VI and Patriarch Athenagoras I met in Jerusalem and exchanged a
fraternal embrace. That embrace has become the symbol of the longed for
reconciliation between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches, as
well as a prophecy of hope on the journey toward full unity among
Christians.
I have invited Patriarch Bartholomew I to take part in Holy Mass at 6
p.m. later today in St Peter's Square, at which I will preside. Together
we will give the homily and proclaim the common profession of faith.
During today's celebration I will also have the joy of conferring the
"Pallium" upon the Metropolitan Archbishops appointed during the
last year. The conferral of the Pallium is a traditional sign of
communion between the See of Rome and the Churches scattered across the
world, which fits beautifully into the context of the feast of the
Apostles Peter and Paul.
Intercession of Mary and Patrons
3. I especially entrust to the two eminent Patrons the beloved
Diocese of Rome as well as the Capitoline civil community. As we
invoke their intercession together with that of Mary Most Holy, Salus
Populi Romani, let us pray that every man and every woman may accept
the message of love for which Peter and Paul suffered martyrdom.
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