VATICAN – At Vespers for the close of 2017, Pope Francis said that the only adequate response to God’s gift of His Son Jesus is one of profound gratitude for the many graces we’ve been given, particularly in the last year.

Pope Francis delivered the homily at the closing Vespers of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in the Basilica of St. Paul "Outside the Walls" in Rome on Monday evening. Below, please find Vatican Radio's full English translation of the Holy Father's prepared remarks.

TIRANA, Albania - Two survivors of Albania's communist crackdown against the church brought Pope Francis tears with their stories during a vespers service in Tirana's cathedral Sept. 21.