During his Sunday Angelus address to the crowds in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of having a personal relationship with the Lord and realizing that God responds when we pray to Him. He encouraged the faithful to trust in Him, even when our prayers are persistent.

The Pope drew inspiration from the Gospel of St. Matthew, where Jesus encounters a Canaanite woman outside of Israel who fervently implores Him to heal her daughter suffering from a demon. In response to her unwavering faith, Jesus tells her, 'Be it done for you as you desire,’ and her daughter is instantly healed.

Pope Francis found it noteworthy how Jesus' attitude changed when confronted with the woman's fervent prayer and her specific request. He became more sympathetic and compassionate, highlighting God's loving nature.

In essence, the Pope conveyed that God is moved by our prayers and emphasized, "This is what God is like. He is love."

 Pope Francis emphasized the remarkable substance of the Canaanite woman's faith, describing it as a faith of action rather than merely holding abstract beliefs.

The Holy Father pointed out that her faith was not built on theological complexity but on her determination to connect personally with Jesus. She approached Him, prostrated herself, engaged in a frank and persistent dialogue, and overcame every obstacle just to be in His presence.

In Pope Francis' words, this is the embodiment of faith's concreteness, one that transcends religious labels and forms a profound relationship with the Lord. He highlighted that her faith wasn't adorned with theological eloquence but was defined by persistence and prayer.

Importantly, he stressed that God does not resist when we earnestly pray to Him, referencing Jesus' words, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

With this profound illustration in mind, the Pope encouraged introspection among the faithful. He urged them to consider whether they can adapt their opinions and demonstrate understanding and compassion, or if they remain rigid in their positions. He prompted them to examine their hearts for any signs of rigidity.

Furthermore, Pope Francis suggested that people reflect on the nature of their own faith. He asked, "What is my faith like? Do I stop at concepts and words, or is it truly lived with prayer and deeds? Do I know how to dialogue with the Lord? Am I insistent with Him, or do I merely recite beautiful phrases?" These questions serve as a call for self-examination and a deeper, more concrete relationship with faith.

In conclusion, Pope Francis offered a heartfelt prayer, invoking the intercession of Our Lady. He asked that she guide us to be receptive to goodness and to embody a faith that is grounded in concrete actions, mirroring the very principles demonstrated by the Canaanite woman's persistent and sincere approach to Jesus.