Pope Benedict points to new saints for encouragement and joy

On Sunday at around noon, following the proclamation of five new saints in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict XVI told the crowds in the square that he hopes the examples of the new saints will help everyone run towards “the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus.”

At 10 a.m., Pope Benedict celebrated a Mass at which he canonized four Italians (two men and two women) and one Portuguese religious brother.

Before praying the Regina Coeli, the Pope greeted all those who came to render homage to the saints, acknowledging the presence of the delegation from the Italian government and one from the Sovereign Order of Malta.

The Holy Father said that he hopes the canonizations, in this Pauline Year, will help all to run with more joy toward “the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus.”

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