1. In the face of evil manifested in various forms in the world, distressed and bewildered human beings are asking themselves: "Why?".

1. According to an ancient tradition, today we are celebrating the feast of the Holy Name of Mary. Indissolubly linked to the Name of Jesus, for Christians this name is the sweetest, for it reminds everyone of the Mother they have in common. Jesus, dying, entrusted us all to her as children.

Dear Friends,

1. At the end of this intense celebration, I would like once again to express to you my joy at being able to be with you. May you always be available to the voice of the Lord Jesus!

1. Today, 29 August, Christian tradition commemorates the martyrdom of St John the Baptist; the Messiah himself says in praise of him: "none born of woman is greater" (cf. Lk 7: 28). He gave to God the supreme witness of his blood, sacrificing his life for truth and justice; indeed, his head was cut off at the orders of Herod, whom he had dared to tell that it was not lawful to take his brother's wife (cf. Mc 6: 17-29).

1. Today is the feast of the Queenship of Mary, a feast closely connected with the mystery of the Assumption which last Sunday, 15 August, I had the joy of celebrating at the Shrine of Lourdes.
As I repeat my gratitude to God and to all who helped me make that Pilgrimage, I think back in mind and heart to that humble Grotto of Massabielle. And from that place of silence and prayer where everything speaks of Mary, I go to other Marian Shrines, visited this month of August by throngs of the faithful.

1. At the conclusion of this solemn Liturgy, I wish to offer a special greeting to those taking part in the French National Pilgrimage led by the "Famille de l’Assomption".

1. Two days ago, on the Feast of the Transfiguration, we commemorated the anniversary of the death of the Servant of God Paul VI. This anniversary has acquired special significance because exactly 40 years ago my venerable Predecessor published his first Encyclical, Ecclesiam Suam.

1. This Sunday the liturgy presents to us anew Jesus' teaching on what true riches are: not the wealth of material goods, but the spiritual treasure that consists in recognizing the primacy of God in our lives, letting his Gospel guide us in all our daily decisions. Jesus explained to the crowd following him that the person is a fool who "lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God" (cf. Lk 12: 21).

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

1. During these days of rest and relaxation, I often think of the dramatic conditions in various regions of the world. Today I would like to draw your attention in particular to the tragic events that for some time now have marked certain countries on the beloved Continent of Africa.