The moving prayer of Pope Francis from the Grotto of Saint Paul

Following in the footsteps of his predecessors John Paul II and Benedict XVI, Pope Francis in turn visited the Grotto of St. Paul in the city of Rabat (Malta) on Sunday, April 3. "Saved from shipwreck, St. Paul and his fellow travelers found here to welcome them pagans with a big heart, who treated them with a rare humanity, realizing that they needed shelter, safety and assistance," said the Bishop of Rome in this cramped cave overlooked by a basilica.

His prayer, a burning call to light the "fire of welcome," resonated strongly in the hearts of those present. Alongside the prayer, the Pope greeted people who were ill and in the care of Caritas, and religious leaders, gathered in St. Paul's Basilica.