(news.va) Pope Francis spoke directly to seminarians from the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East. Monday, May 12, His Holiness met with the rectors and students of the Pontifical Universities and Colleges in Rome. In his opening remarks, the Holy Father noted the many students from the Middle East and from Ukraine. “I want to tell you that I am very close to you in this time of suffering: indeed, very close; and in prayer,” he said.