July 23, 2015 Despite scorching hot weather, Pope Francis greeted pilgrims at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday the 19th of July. He praised them for their courage in enduring the heat and used the meeting to speak about his recent visit to South America. The Pope said:
“Dear brothers and sisters, Good Morning! I see that you are very courageous to come to this very hot square – well done!”
It was his first appearance since returning from Latin America, and he thanked everyone in Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay for the warm reception as he spoke about the great potential of the region.
“I asked the Lord that the Spirit of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, guide me during the apostolic journey that I made in recent days in Latin America and that allowed me to visit Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay,”
“The Latin American continent has great human and spiritual potential, holds deeply rooted Christian values, but also faces serious social and economic problems. To contribute to their solution, the Church is committed to mobilize the spiritual and moral strength of its communities, working with all components of society.”
The crowd obviously approved, as they cheered and shouted “Long Live the Pope!”
Pope Francis also added his traditional request for everyone to pray for him.
“I ask you please to pray for me. Don’t forget me. Have a good lunch and good bye,” he said.
Pope Francis’ next international voyage will be to Cuba and the United States in September.