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Christians are encouraged to emulate Mary by responding to God's love through action, according to Pope Francis. During a general audience at the Paul VI Audience Hall on February 5, the pope reflected on Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth after learning she would give birth to the Messiah. He noted that Mary did not retreat from the world but reached out to others.
Due to a lingering cold, Pope Francis was unable to read his catechesis and asked Msgr. Pierluigi Giroli to deliver his prepared text. "It is difficult for me to speak," he said before handing over the floor. Despite this, he read a summary of his catechesis in Spanish without apparent difficulty.
In his message, Pope Francis highlighted that Mary went out of love to meet Elizabeth, who was experiencing an unexpected pregnancy at an advanced age. The pope emphasized that Mary shared faith and hope with Elizabeth in God's promises.
When Elizabeth recognized Mary's significant role by saying, "Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb," Mary responded by praising God instead of focusing on herself. This response is recited today as the Magnificat prayer during vespers in churches.
The Magnificat is filled with Old Testament references and recalls Israel's liberation from Egypt. It embodies a memory of love that inspires faith in the present and hope for the future, according to Pope Francis.
Pope Francis urged Christians to seek grace from God for patience in awaiting His promises and embracing Mary's presence in their lives.
At the conclusion of the audience, Pope Francis requested prayers for countries affected by war, including Ukraine, Israel, Jordan, and Palestine. A transcript published by the Vatican listed Palestine instead of Jordan among these nations.
On February 3, Pope Francis met with Queen Rania of Jordan during a Vatican summit focused on children's rights.
