Vatican City, May 11, 2017 / 02:56 am
Wednesday evening, just two days ahead of his trip to Fatima, Pope Francis sent a video message to the people of Portugal asking them to be with him during his pilgrimage, whether physically or spiritually, as he presents flowers to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
"I need to feel your closeness, whether physical or spiritual; the important thing is that it come from the heart. In this way, I can arrange my bouquet of flowers, my 'golden rose,'" he said in the May 10 video message.
"I want to meet everyone at the feet of the Virgin Mother."
In the message, Pope Francis said he had received many messages asking him to come to people's homes, communities and towns during his visit, but that he was not able to accept, as much as he would like to.