*Benedict XVI & Pope Francis consecrate the Vatican to St Michael the Archangel

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Pope Emeritus Benedict has made his first public appearance since abdicating by joining Pope Francis in consecrating the Vatican City to the protection of St Michael the Archangel. Pope Francis gave the following address about the need for St Michael to protect the Church and us all from the enemy that constantly seeks to destroy us:

‘In the Vatican Gardens there are several works of art. But this, which has now been added, takes on particular importance, in its location as well as the meaning it expresses. In fact it is not just celebratory work but an invitation to reflection and prayer, that fits well into the Year of Faith. Michael—which means “Who is like God?”—is the champion of the primacy of God, of His transcendence and power. Michael struggles to restore divine justice and defends the People of God from his enemies, above all by the enemy par excellence, the devil. And St. Michael wins because in him, there is He God who acts. This sculpture reminds us then that evil is overcome, the accuser is unmasked, his head crushed, because salvation was accomplished once and for all in the blood of Christ. 

Though the devil always tries to disfigure the face of the Archangel and that of humanity, God is stronger, it is His victory and His salvation that is offered to all men. We are not alone on the journey or in the trials of life, we are accompanied and supported by the Angels of God, who offer, so to speak, their wings to help us overcome so many dangers, in order to fly high compared to those realities that can weigh down our lives or drag us down. In consecrating Vatican City State to St. Michael the Archangel, I ask him to defend us from the evil one and banish him.

We also consecrate Vatican City State in St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus, the guardian of the Holy Family. May his presence make us stronger and more courageous in making space for God in our lives to always defeat evil with good. We ask Him to protect, take care of us, so that a life of grace grows stronger in each of us every day.

Protect the Pope comment: The significance of Pope Emeritus Benedict making his first public appearance at the consecration of the Vatican to the protection of St Michael the Archangel cannot be underestimated. What other sign do we need to make us wake up the fact that the present pope, and his saintly predecessor, know that the Catholic Church is under extreme attack from Satan, both within the Church, and from outside.