Pope prays for an end to violence in the Holy Land, Burkina Faso and the Mediterranean Sea
By Francesca Merlo
Addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus, after the recitation of the Marian prayer, Pope Francis turned his thoughts to the terrible news that continues to come from the Holy Land.
In light of recent tragedies, Pope Francis noted that many people, including children, are being killed and he asked, “How can we put an end to this spiral of violence?”
The Holy Father then renewed, once more, his appeal that "dialogue may reign over hatred and revenge".
“I pray to God for the Palestinians and the Israelis, that they may find the road to fraternity and peace, with the help of the international community”.
Violence in Burkina Faso
Pope Francis then shared his worries regarding the situation in Burkina Faso, where "terrorist attacks continue to take place".
Once again, Pope Francis invited all those following his Sunday Angelus to "pray for the people of that dear country", in the hope that the violence they continue to endure might not lead them to lose hope in their journey of democracy, justice, and peace.
In recent updates from the west African nation, the so-called Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for killing over 70 soldiers, wounding dozens more, and taking five people hostage in an ambush on a military convoy in the northern part of the country.
Another tragedy on the Mediterranean
Then, Pope Francis shared recent news of yet another shipwreck on the Mediterranean. He explained that just off the coast of Calabria in Italy, another boat carrying migrants from northern Africa had capsized, and since this morning 40 bodies, including the bodies of many children, have been recovered. "I pray for them", said the Pope, "for those who are lost, and for those who have survived", he added.
The Holy Father also expressed his gratitude towards all those who participate in rescue operations, as well as to all those who offer welcome to those seeking refuge. "May the Virgin Mary sustain you", he concluded.
Concluding, Pope Francis asked those present not to forget Ukraine one year after the start of the Russian invasion. “And let us not forget the Syrian and Turkish people, victims of terrible earthquakes”.
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