Vatican City, Sep 29, 2010 / 08:00 am
Greeting the faithful in a variety of tongues during today’s general audience, the Holy Father addressed matters from world crises to a recently beatified teenager. He also emphasized the day's celebration of the archangels, inviting the faithful to turn to the spiritual beings for assistance.
The Pope addressed the faithful in a total of 13 individual languages during the occasion in St. Peter's Square. In six of these languages, he provided a catechesis on St. Matilda, while in the other seven he provided a short greeting and assured the faithful of his prayers.
In French, the Holy Father said that he was happy to welcome a group of Haitian pilgrims to Rome and told them that he "continues to carry the Haitian people in his prayers, asking God to relieve their misery." He expressed hope that the more than 50 Haitians in attendance would lead the country’s citizens to a greater personal relationship with Christ.
Turning to the humanitarian crisis caused by flooding in northern Nigeria, the Holy Father assured all of those affected, including the approximately two million who have fled their homes, of his spiritual closeness and prayers.