Pope Francis concluded the October 31 general audience with an encouragement to pray for the souls in Purgatory.
In greetings to Polish-speaking pilgrims, the Holy Father noted that our visits to cemeteries during these days are reminders “that we have a multitude of saints who before God intercede for our needs.”
“Let us not forget, however, that so many deceased also await our spiritual support,” he said. “Let us remember them in our prayers, together with Mary, ‘Queen of all Saints,’ asking that they be welcomed into the ranks of the elect in heaven.”
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The pope also said that the saints are our strength as we journey through life: “The testimony of faith of those who preceded us strengthens in us the certainty that God accompanies each person on the journey of life.”
“He never abandons anyone to his own devices,” Francis said, “and wants us all to be holy, as He is holy.”
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