Pope Francis sends Message to Bishops of France
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has told the Bishops of France to help the people of their country to “strengthen their hope” and to “contribute to the search for the common good” in the context of nation still “marked by the attacks which have ravaged your country,” which is also facing “important” elections.
The message were conveyed by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, as the Bishops begin their Plenary Assembly.
The theme of the meeting is on “having the courage to reach the peripheries in need of the Gospel” (Evangelii Gaudium, n. 20); including in a rural world facing change, “which will, in no doubt, be an opportunity for a new start for the mission of the Church in France.”
“A few days before the closing of the Jubilee of Mercy, the Pope asks the Lord to help you open new paths so ‘the years to come will be steeped in mercy, so that we can go out to every man and woman, bringing the goodness and tenderness of God’ (Misericordiae Vultus, n. 5)” – the Message continues – “Entrusting the bishops of France to the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Bernadette, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, and St. Salomon Le Clercq, the Holy Father sends you his Apostolic Blessing with affection.”