The people of America, are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners.

Being a Christian means renouncing ourselves, taking up the cross and carrying it with Jesus. There is no other way.

You may be asking yourselves, 'Who is this man standing before us?' i would like to reply to that question with something absolutely certain about my own life: The man standing before you is a man who has been forgiven. A man who was, and is, saved from his many sins.

Total openness to serving others is our hallmark, it alone is our title of honour!

I entrust this Twenty-second World Day of the Sick to the intercession of Mary. I ask her to help the sick to bear their sufferings in fellowship with Jesus Christ and to support all those who care for them. To all the ill, and to all the health-care workers and volunteers who assist them, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing.

But you too, help one another: help one another always. One another. In this way, by helping one another, we will do some good.

As stewards of God's creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family.