Pope Leo XIV invites the faithful to pray for Apostolic Journey to Latin America

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

"The day after tomorrow, I will begin my Apostolic Journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. I ask you to accompany me with your prayers, that the Lord may bless this mission in these countries, which are so dear to me."

Pope Leo XIV offered this invitation on Wednesday morning toward the conclusion of his General Audience during his remarks to Italian-speaking pilgrims.

He also expressed his hope that the Journey "may strengthen faith, renew hope, rekindle the fire of charity, and encourage us to continue proclaiming the Gospel with joy."

New Blesseds epitomize friendship with the Lord and sacrifice

In his comments, the Pope also recalled that two beatification celebrations will take place on Saturday.

In Antigua, Guatemala, Servant of God Augusto Rafael Ramírez Monasterio, a priest of the Order of Friars Minor who was killed in hatred of the faith in 1983, will be beatified.

Meanwhile, in Santander, Spain, Servants of God Francesco González de Córdova, a diocesan priest; and 79 companions, including priests, seminarians and laypeople, will be beatified.

"During the Spanish persecution of the last century," the Pope underlined, "they did not hesitate to shed their blood out of love for Christ."

"These new Blesseds," the Holy Father underscored, "make visible yet another part of the ‘great multitude’ of the Lord's friends."

Saint Charles Borromeo teaches us to be led by Christ in daily life

Finally, the Pope greeted young people, the sick, and newlyweds.

"Today," the Pope recalled, "we celebrate the liturgical memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, the distinguished Bishop of the Diocese of Milan, who, animated by an ardent love for the Lord, was a teacher and guide to his brothers and sisters."

"Following his example," Pope Leo said, "allow yourselves to be led by Christ in your daily lives."