Dear brothers and sisters,

I would like to greet all of you who have taken part in this sacred celebration, especially the cardinals, bishops and distinguished authorities.

I am very pleased to welcome the official delegation of the Church of England, led by His Grace Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York. Following the historic prayer meeting with His Majesty King Charles III, celebrated a few days ago in the Sistine Chapel, your presence today expresses our shared joy at the proclamation of Saint John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Church. From Heaven, may he accompany Christians on their journey towards full union.

I extend my greetings to all the pilgrims present, especially the young people who have given life to the “Race of the Saints,” promoted by Missioni Don Bosco, which combines sport and solidarity with the most disadvantaged children.

Sisters and brothers, the mystery of the communion of saints, which we breathe in deeply today, reminds us of the final destiny of humanity: a great celebration in which we rejoice together in the love of God, present in all, recognizing and admiring the multifaceted beauty of faces, all different and all resembling the face of Christ. As we anticipate this future reality, we feel even more strongly and painfully how this contrasts with the tragedies that the human family is suffering because of injustice and war. We urgently feel the duty to be builders of fraternity. Let us entrust our prayer and our commitment to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and all the Saints!