Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to rediscover a sense of wonder and gratitude as they reflect on today’s Gospel, where Jesus describes Himself as the "living Bread that came down from heaven." This Gospel passage, in which Jesus offers Himself as the heavenly Bread that fulfills the deepest hungers of our hearts, was the focus of Pope's midday Angelus address to pilgrims and visitors.

Reflecting on the Gospel, Pope Francis noted that some of the people in the crowd questioned how Jesus could offer His own flesh as nourishment, a question that we might also ponder today. However, he urged that this question be approached with an attitude of wonder rather than suspicion. He emphasized that an openness to wonder is essential, as Jesus, in presenting Himself as the "bread from heaven," offers a gift that surpasses all expectations. This gift, His own flesh and blood, represents the humanity of the Savior and His life given for our nourishment.

Pope Francis highlighted that recognizing Jesus as the total gift of Himself, for our salvation and spiritual nourishment, naturally leads to a profound sense of gratitude. He urged the faithful to recognize Jesus in the ways He is present among us and for us. While acknowledging that physical food is necessary for life, Pope pointed out that Jesus provides an even greater gift—Himself as true food and true drink, satisfying our spiritual hunger for hope, truth, and salvation. For this, Pope said, we can only respond with heartfelt gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Lord Jesus!"

This "heavenly Bread" from the Father, Jesus made flesh, is what truly satisfies the hunger in our hearts. Although receiving this eternal nourishment doesn’t solve all the problems in our lives, it does fill us with immense hope, especially in a world that often neglects the basic needs of the poor.

Pope invited everyone to reflect on whether they hunger and thirst for salvation not only for themselves but also for others. He also encouraged them to approach the Eucharist with a sense of awe, recognizing it as the "Body of the Lord," who died and rose for us, offering us this "miracle of mercy."

Finally, Pope Francis called on the faithful to pray together to the Virgin Mary, asking for her help in welcoming this divine gift symbolized by the bread.