Pope welcomes new Blessed McGivney and prays for quake struck Turkey and Greece

By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis recalled the beatification on Saturday of Father Michael McGivney, a diocesan priest and founder of the Knights of Columbus.

Speaking after the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, the Pope said McGivney was an evangelizer who went to great lengths to assist to the needs of the poor, promoting charitable works.

“May his example encourage all of us to witness to the Gospel of charity,” he said asking for applause for the new Blessed.

Earthquake in Turkey and Greece

Pope Francis then asked for prayers for the people in the Aegean Sea area that was struck, two days ago, by a powerful earthquake.

At least 27 people were killed in Turkey and Greece when the quake struck on Friday afternoon, causing buildings to collapse and triggering a mini-tsunami. Over 800 people were injured and a total of 470 aftershocks have been recorded in the area.

Mass for the feast of All Souls inside the Vatican

The Pope concluded his address to the pilgrims in the square reminding them that tomorrow, 2 November feast of All Souls he will celebrate Holy Mass for the deceased in the Vatican’s Teutonic Cemetery in the absence of faithful because of Coronavirus restrictions.

“Thus I join spiritually with all those who, in respect of sanitary precautions that must be observed, in these days will be praying on the tombs of their beloved deceased in every part of the world,” he said.