In the text of the Angelus released by the Vatican Press Office, Pope Francis calls on the warring parties in the African country to work towards stability and urges the international community to provide aid to address the serious humanitarian crisis in neighboring Sudan. He offers prayers for nations at war and Myanmar, which is also suffering from an earthquake. This Lent is a “time of healing. I am also experiencing it in my soul and body,” he says.
By: Tiziana Campisi – Vatican News
Published on:
From Casa Santa Marta, where he has been convalescing for eight days and continues his therapies after being discharged from the Gemelli Polyclinic last Sunday, Pope Francis continues to address current international issues, focusing on countries torn apart by wars and hostilities. In the Angelus text released by the Vatican Press Office, after a brief reflection on God’s mercy and this Lent to be lived “as a time of healing,” the Pope expresses his “concern” for the “situation in South Sudan.”
He renews his heartfelt appeal to all leaders to exert maximum effort to ease tensions in the country. It is necessary to set aside differences and, with courage and responsibility, sit down at a table and start a constructive dialogue. Only in this way will it be possible to alleviate the suffering of the beloved South Sudanese population and build a future of peace and stability.
Initiate negotiations in Sudan
The Pontiff’s apprehension also extends to neighboring Sudan, where “the war continues to claim innocent lives,” hence the call to protect the population, engage in negotiations to silence the guns, and send humanitarian aid.
I urge the conflicting parties to prioritize the safeguarding of the lives of their civilian brothers, and I hope that new negotiations will be initiated as soon as possible to ensure a lasting solution to the crisis. The international community must increase efforts to address the frightening humanitarian catastrophe.
Prayer for peace
The Pope’s words also include an invitation not to forget other countries where there have been prolonged conflicts or emergencies and difficulties.
Trusting in the mercy of God the Father, let us continue to pray for peace: in war-torn Ukraine, in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Myanmar, which is also suffering from the earthquake.
Successful diplomatic outcome between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan
Looking at humanity as a whole, Francis also mentions the most recent “positive events,” such as “the ratification of the Agreement on the delimitation of the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, which represents an excellent diplomatic result,” and encourages “both countries to continue on this path,” invoking “Mary, Mother of Mercy” to “help the human family reconcile in peace.”
Lent as a time of healing
In the Angelus text, the Pope then reminds the faithful of the parable that Jesus tells about the “father who has two sons: one leaves home but then, in misery, returns and is welcomed with joy; the other, the ‘obedient’ son, resentful of the father, refuses to enter the feast.” A story that “reveals the heart of God: always merciful to all; He heals our wounds so that we can love each other as brothers.” Francis shifts the focus to the journey towards Easter, urging to live “this Lent, especially in the Jubilee, as a time of healing,” and speaks in the first person.
I am also experiencing it in my soul and body. Therefore, I sincerely thank all those who, like the Savior, are instruments of healing for others with their words and their knowledge, with affection and prayer.
The Pope’s gaze then widens to all men with the hope of brotherhood in Jesus the Savior.
Fragility and illness are experiences that unite us all; all the more reason, however, we are brothers in the salvation that Christ has given us.
