As UN marks World Refugee Day, Francis Calls for Renewed Efforts in Peace and Justice
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS - Robert Stansfield/Department for International Development
Pope Francis today recalled that Monday is World Refugee Day, sponsored by the United Nations, with the theme “#With Refugees.”
After praying the midday Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope emphasized that refugees “are people just like us,” but that war “has taken from them their houses, work, relatives and friends.”
“Their stories and their faces call us to renew our efforts to build peace and justice,” Francis said, adding: “We want to be with them, encounter them, receive them, so as to become again artisans of peace, according to the will of God.”
“Let us unite ourselves in prayer with our Orthodox brothers, invoking the Holy Spirit, so that he assists with His gifts the patriarchs, archbishops and bishops who are gathered in Council.”
After praying the midday Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope emphasized that refugees “are people just like us,” but that war “has taken from them their houses, work, relatives and friends.”
“Their stories and their faces call us to renew our efforts to build peace and justice,” Francis said, adding: “We want to be with them, encounter them, receive them, so as to become again artisans of peace, according to the will of God.”
Prayers for the Orthodox
As well, the Pope noted that today is Pentecost in the Julian calendar, which the Orthodox Churches follow, and that with the Divine Liturgy of today, the pan-Orthodox council began in Crete.“Let us unite ourselves in prayer with our Orthodox brothers, invoking the Holy Spirit, so that he assists with His gifts the patriarchs, archbishops and bishops who are gathered in Council.”
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