VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis welcomed a delegation of students and teachers from the NATO Defense College to his weekly general audience at St Peter’s Square on Wednesday, Vatican communications said. 

 A delegation from the Rome-based college was present among thousands of pilgrims and the faithful who gather every Wednesday to attend the pope’s weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square. 

 The pontiff extended “a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially the groups from England, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Indonesia, the Philippines, Canada and the United States of America.” 

 “I greet in particular the delegation from the NATO Defense College and the many students and teachers present,” the pope continued. 

 “May our Lenten journey bring us to Easter with hearts purified and renewed by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Upon you and your families I invoke joy and peace in Christ our Redeemer.”

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