Pope Francis Message To World Youth Day 2013 in Rio

“Jesus shows us that the heart of the Samaritan is good and generous and that – unlike the priest and the Levite – he does the will of God, who desires mercy rather than sacrifice.” These were just some of the words of Pope Francis, comenting on the parable of the Good Samaritan, which was read at Sunday’s liturgy.

The Pope was speaking ahead of the Angelus prayer, recited at the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo. During his remarks, the Holy Father also recalled the saint, whose feast day fell on Sunday, St. Camillus of Lellis, founder of the Clerks Regular, Ministers to the Sick — the MI’s or Camillans for short. Pope Francis said that St Camillus lived fully the gospel of the Good Samaritan. He called on all the spiritual children of Camillus and all those who care for the sick to be like him, Good Samaritans.

The Pope asked that pilgrims pray to Our Lady of Aparecida, principal patroness of Brazil, asking her to guide the participants in the upcoming World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro and open their hearts to accept the mission that Christ will give them.