Pope Francis’ General Audience: English summary

Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our continuing catechesis on the Acts of the Apostles, we now consider how a new stage in the spread of the Gospel occurs. The deacon Philip, prompted by the Holy Spirit, encounters a man whose heart is open to God.  This foreigner, a high official of the Queen of Ethiopia, is reading a passage from the prophet Isaiah.  Yet, without a guide, he is unable to understand its full meaning.  Philip explains to him how the Old Testament prophecies reach their fulfilment in Christ.  As a result, the Ethiopian professes his faith in Jesus, and asks to be baptized.  From the baptismal waters he emerges no longer a stranger, but a member of the Body of Christ.  The dialogue in this encounter reveals to us the key to reading the Scriptures: namely, Christ.  Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen all the baptized to follow the example of Philip in bearing witness to the saving power of the Gospel and bringing others to Jesus.

The Pope also greeted the various English-speaking groups present at the Audience:

I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially the groups from England, Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Botswana, Australia, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Canada, and the United States of America.  In a particular way my greeting goes to the seminarians of the Pontifical North American College and their families gathered for the ordination to the Diaconate to be celebrated tomorrow. Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  May God bless you!