The Pope to the faithful of the Holy Land: God protect you from all evil, beseech him to grant peace to all

Pope Leo spoke in the Paul VI Hall for the general audience. Before the catechesis he greeted the faithful in several languages, explaining that today's audience would be held in several places. "We try to protect ourselves from the sun and extreme heat," he said, adding: "Thank you for coming, welcome to all. The general audience was moved inside due to the extreme heat in Rome. The faithful who could not find a seat in the Aula Nervi followed the audience, via a giant screen, from St Peter's Basilica. Others, braving the temperature, remained in the square instead.

In the afternoon, the Pontiff will move to Castel Gandolfo. According to reports, he is expected to leave the Vatican around 4.30 p.m. and arrive at Villa Barberini, where he will spend about a week between rest and celebrations, around 5 p.m.

In his greeting to Polish pilgrims, the Pope recalled St Maximilian Mary Kolbe, who offered his life in the Auschwitz concentration camp in place of that of a family man. "I encourage you to take example from his heroic attitude of sacrifice for others. Through his intercession, implore God to grant peace to all peoples living the tragedy of war," the Pope asked.