Pope Francis came to Bari, Italy, Sunday with a message of peace, meeting with bishops of the Mediterranean region and offering Mass in the
Basilica of Saint Nicholas on February 23, 2020. Basing his homily at Mass on the day's Gospel, Matthew's account of the Sermon on the Mount, the Holy Father recalled Jesus' words that were revolutionary at the time they were spoken � and still have the need for acceptance today: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."