Pope Francis reiterated his appeal for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine during his weekly general audience. “There are a lot of things that are very cruel,” he says.
Written by Joseph Tulloch
“As we prayerfully remember those who lost their lives in the two world wars, let us remember too many civilians, the defenseless victims of the wars that unfortunately still stain the earth with their blood. ”
These were the words of Pope Francis at the end of Wednesday's general audience, reflecting on Italy's upcoming National Day of Victims of Civil War.
“May [the victims’] “Cries of sorrow move the hearts of national leaders and awaken a project for peace,” he added.
The Pope said: “If you read about what is happening in today's wars, there is so much cruelty. Let us ask the Lord for peace, because He is always meek and never cruel.”
peace building
Earlier, in an address to Polish-speaking pilgrims in the audience, Pope Francis said: “We begin the new year with a call to build peace in the world, in our homeland, in our families and in our hearts. ” he said.
“Remember that peace can only be built on truth,” the Pope stressed. “May consideration for the common good, proper control of anger, and mutual forgiveness help build a civilization of love in the current situation.”
Pope Francis has called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza since October 29. Since the war in Ukraine began, he has appealed for peace in Ukraine in almost every general audience.
