Catholic Fire

During his three-day trip to the Holy Land, Pope Francis lived and was at the center of historical moments. Among them, his meeting with refugees by the Jordan River and the Lord's Prayer he recited along with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. Also, the heartfelt hug he gave a Rabbi and a Muslim leader before the Western Wall.

Strong winds helped stifle the intense midday heat in Jordan. Amman International Stadium overflowed with enthusiasm and joy at the Pope's visit. He boarded his Popemobile and greeted pilgrims for several minutes. In addition to the flags from Jordan and the Vatican, others carried those from neighboring countries like Lebanon and Iraq. During his homily, the Pope recalled that the site of the Baptism of Jesus, where he received the Holy Spirit, was close to the stadium. He asked pilgrims to invoke It to obtain peace. POPE FRANCIS "Diversity of ideas and people should not trigger rejection or prove an obstacle, for variety always enriches. So today, with fervent hearts, we invoke the Holy Spirit and ask him to prepare the path to peace and unity.” He also explained that peace requires humility, fraternity, forgiveness and reconciliation, all of them anointed by the Holy Spirit. POPE FRANCIS "These signs are the prerequisite of a true, stable and lasting peace...