You know that the duty of the conclave was to provide Rome with a
bishop. It looks as if my brothers the cardinals went to fetch him
from the end of the world!
I’d like to thank you for your welcome. The people of Rome: thank you!
I’d like to pray for Benedict XVI. Let’s pray altogether for him so
that the Madonna can look after him.”
[Then Pope Francis said the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary and the Gloria.]
And now let’s start working together, walking together, in the Church of Rome.
This is the path of brotherhood and trust.
Let’s pray for each other because of the great brotherhood of the
world. I pray the path will be fruitful for this beautiful city.
Now I will bless you. But I’d like to ask you a favour, for your
prayer to bless me as your bishop. Let’s pray silently, your prayer
for me.
[The stole was put around his shoulders.]
I am going to bless you all and the entire world – all the men and women of good will…
[Pope Francis gave his urbi et orbi blessing, to huge cheers.]
I’m going to leave you now. Good night, and I wish you peace.
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