A seasonal illness has forced me to interrupt my activities for a few days. Today, however, I could not fail to address you who have come for our usual Wednesday gathering.

Dear brothers and sisters, I greet you all with affection. May the Lord, whom we contemplated in yesterday's feast as the Light which illumines the way of salvation for every human being, shine in the life of all and fill them with his joy and peace. I extend a special greeting to the deacons of the Archdiocese of Milan and to all the priests and religious present.

I would like to offer a cordial thought to those who are suffering most from the cold, especially the homeless, the earthquake victims, the sick, the elderly and children. May everyone receive the necessary help.

I hope, as a well-known proverb says, that "with the coming of Candlemas, winter we have passed", and that lovely, warm, sunny days will soon return. A special blessing to you all. I greet the French-speaking pilgrims, particular the students from the Madeleine Daniélou Centre in Rueil and the other young people. I grant you all my Apostolic Blessing.

I greet the pilgrims from the United States, as well as all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors from other countries. Upon you and your families I invoke the abundant blessings of almighty God.

I cordially greet the Spanish-speaking pilgrims. I invite you to nourish your faith with the strength of the martyrs and the fidelity of the Apostles. I bless you all from my heart.

I greet the priests from the Archdioceses of Kraków and Lublin, and from Zamość, the catechists from Krosno, the teachers from Zakopane, Skawina and Lublin, the young people from Poznań, School no. 42 from Sosnowiec and the other pilgrims from Poznań, Opole and Bydgoszcz. God bless you!