Pope Francis in Georgia:
“Among many treasures of this magnificent country, one that stands out is importance of women”

Pope Francis – the head of the Roman Catholic Church – has marked the beginning of his second day in Georgia by leading a Mass at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Georgia's capital Tbilisi.

The liturgy this morning was attended by Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili and First Lady Maka Chichua, other Georgian high officials, diplomatic corps and Georgia’s Catholic community.

Several international media outlets broadcast live footage of the ceremony.

Pope Francis thanked President Giorgi Margvelashvili (L) for attending Saturday's Mass. Photo by the President's press office.

In his homily, the Pope spoke of the importance of women, drawing from the writings of St Therese of the Child Jesus, whose feast is marked on October 1.

He also spoke of the "urgent” mission to bring and receive God’s love.

"Among the many treasures of this magnificent country, one that stands out is the importance of women,” the Pope said.

As Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, whom we commemorate today, wrote: "they love God in much larger numbers than men do”.

Here in Georgia there are a great number of grandmothers and mothers who unceasingly defend and pass on the faith that was sown in this land of Saint Nino; and they bring the fresh water of God’s consolation to countless situations of barrenness and conflict.”

Pope Francis received a warm welcome at Tbilisi Mikheil Meskhi Stadium. Photo by Gvantsa Koberidze/Facebook

The Pope said this enabled believers to appreciate the beauty of God’s message in the first reading: "As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you”.

As a mother takes upon herself the burdens and weariness of her children, so too does God take upon himself our sins and troubles,” said Pope Francis.

He said children, who had no problem in understanding God, had much to teach adults. He said children tell us that he accomplishes great things in those who put up no resistance to him, who are simple and sincere, without duplicity.

"There is an underlying condition to receiving God’s consolation, and his word today reminds us of this: to become little like children, to be "like a child quieted at its mother’s breast,” the Pope said.

To receive God’s love we need this littleness of heart: only little ones can be held in their mothers arms,” he added.

Click here to see the official English translation of Pope Francis’ homily for Mass in Tbilisi.