{UAH} The heroic open consistory ends very triumphantly

Yesterday sunday (15/02/2015 ) Pope Francis concelebrated Holy Mass with the newly created

cardinals in a very much crowded St Peter's Basilica where important international delegations

accompanying the new cardinals were part of the capacity congregation numbering tens of thousands.

In his sermon the Pope, drawing inspiration from the day's gospel showing Christ reaching out to the leper

and suddenly curing him, called upon the new cardinals not only to welcome but also to go and seek those

who are in need. Thse may include the poor, the marginalized, the sick, the persons who have lost their faith,

the prisoners, etc... He appealed to the cardinals to care for such people and pull them out of their marginalization

just as Christ did to the leper.

The Pope was very strongly cheered after his sermon.

During communion thousands of hosts were distributed to the whole assembly that included thousands of pilgrims

who had accompanied their new cardinals.

After Mass the vast congregation moving out of the vast Basilica joined the cheerful 150,000 pilgrims already assembled

in St Peter's square for the Angelus prayer with the Pope. These included large numbers of students from many parts of

Europe, now in their winter holidays.By the time the Angelus started the Square was milling with a 200,000-strong crowd!!

The Pope appeared in the window of his private study and was received with wild acclamations and ululations. In his brief

spiritual recollection he reminded the crowds of Christ's powerful action against all evil because it's pegged on compassion

and divine mercy which naturally surpasses everything in value and strength.

Then he led the recitation of the Angelus prayer and gave his blessing  to the huge crowd wnich gave him a deafening uproar.

Many in the crowd bore banners on which were inscribed touching phrases in praise of  Pope Francis.

He then greeted all delegations accompanying the new cardinals. and he also requested the crowds to cheer these new princes 

of the Roman Catholic Church. He finally greeted the various delegations and groups from different countries including the many

students present. And took leave of the cheering and ululant assembly.

Dr G.H. Kkolokolo ( Paris / France )