Defenders Of The Church

St. Michael and St. Joseph are basically viewed as the Church's champions against the wiles of Satan. Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict recently showed up to consecrate the Vatican to both of them. That this is a big deal is, I think, obvious given the fact that Benedict showed up.

Per Zenit, here is the relevant excerpt from the Holy Father's comments:

There are several artistic works in the Vatican Gardens; however, this one, which is added today, assumes a place of particular importance, be it for its location, be it for the meaning it expresses. In fact, it’s not only a celebratory work, but an invitation to reflection and prayer, which is well inserted in the Year of Faith. Michael – which means: “Who is like unto God?” – is the champion of God’s primacy, of His transcendence and power. Michael fights to re-establish divine justice; he defends the People of God from its enemies and above all of the enemy par excellence, the devil. And Saint Michael triumphs because it is God who acts in him. This sculpture, then, reminds us that evil has been vanquished, the accuser is unmasked, his head is crushed, because salvation was accomplished once and for all in the Blood of Christ. Even if the devil always tries to scratch the Archangel’s face and man’s face, God is stronger; the victory is His and His salvation is offered to every man. We are not alone in life’s journey and trials; we are accompanied and sustained by the Angels of God who offer, so to speak, their wings to help us surmount so many dangers, to be able to fly high in regard to those realities that can weigh down our life or drag us down. On consecrating Vatican City State to Saint Michael the Archangel, we ask him to defend us from the Evil One and to cast him outside.

Dear brothers and sisters, we consecrate Vatican City State also to Saint Joseph, the custodian of Jesus, the custodian of the Holy Family. May his presence make us stronger and more courageous in making space for God in our life to overcome evil always with good. We ask him to guard us, to take care of us, so that the life of grace will grow every day more in each of us.

This isn't a new thing for the Pope. He previously had his entire pontificate consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima.

Considering all of the shenanigans going on in the Vatican for the last several decades, this is something sorely needed. It's good to see Pope Francis not only reminding people of these powerful agents of God, but also choosing to entrust them directly with protecting our patrimony.