“The brambles are the vices that fight against God, which suffocate His presence,” the Pope said. “They must be torn out. Otherwise, the Word will not bear fruit, and the seed will not develop.”

At the end of the prayer, Pope Francis greeted the Venezuelans present in St Peter’s Square. Over the past few weeks, he has recalled the country’s dramatic situation.

“I extend a special greeting to the Venezuelan Catholic community, renewing my prayer for your beloved country,” he told them.