During a fine udienza generale, the Pope once again asks for prayers for peace in countries affected by conflicts. “War is a human defeat,” he states, recalling the initiative of the Polish episcopate for the Day of Prayer and Material Aid for the Church in the East: thank you for the offerings in those territories, especially in Ukraine. On the occasion of the first reading of the catechesis in Chinese, Francis sends a blessing to the people of China.
By Salvatore Cernuzio – Vatican City
“War is a human defeat… War doesn’t solve problems, war is bad, war destroys”
Almost like a litany against the horror of conflicts that afflict peoples and nations in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa, Francis recites from the stage of St. Peter’s Square. At the end of today’s general audience on December 4th, the Pope, after the greetings in various languages, looks up from the written sheet and gazes at the crowd of faithful, asking everyone to join in a choral prayer for this moment in the world marked by violence that seems to multiply rather than diminish.
“Please let’s continue to pray for peace…”
READ THE FULL TEXT OF POPE FRANCIS’ WORDS
Thinking of children, victims of wars
As is customary every Wednesday and Sunday at the Angelus, the Pontiff lists the tormented territories, starting with Ukraine, then Palestine, Israel, and Myanmar. His thoughts are with the victims, especially – and here the Pope’s face darkens – the children: “So many innocent deaths.” According to UNICEF, the confirmed number of minors killed by Russian attacks in Ukraine has risen by almost 40% this year compared to last year; the same UN agency warned a few months ago about the increase in civilian casualties, including children, due to the use of mines and other explosive devices by different parties in the escalation in Myanmar. There are over 3,000 children, including those under five years old, killed in the Gaza Strip.
“So many children dead, so many innocent dead. Let’s pray that the Lord leads us to peace. Let’s always pray for peace”
Today’s General Audience in St. Peter’s Square
The Day of Prayer and Material Aid for the Church in the East
Thinking of Ukraine, Pope Francis had expressed it shortly before during the greeting to the Polish faithful, where he recalled the celebration, next Sunday, December 8, of the 25th Day of Prayer and Material Aid for the Church in the East. It is the initiative of the Polish episcopate, active for 24 years, which, in collaboration with organizations, parishes, congregations, communities, or individual donors, organizes and sends numerous humanitarian aid to support both war refugees residing in Poland and people living in territories affected by the effects of wars.
I thank all those who support the Church in those territories with prayers and offerings, especially in Ukraine, ravaged by war. I bless you from the heart!
Reading in Chinese of the catechesis summary
Pope Francis also sent a special blessing to the Chinese people on the occasion of the first reading of the Wednesday catechesis summary in Chinese. At the end of the reading by the translator, and looking at the group of boys and girls from China in the front row in St. Peter’s Square, the Pontiff sent his greetings to the great eastern country towards which he has always expressed esteem and affection.
“I want to extend my warm greetings to the Chinese-speaking people present here and those connected through the media. I invoke joy and peace upon all of you and your families. May God bless you!”
