Pope Leo XIV continues pleas for peace at his Regina Caeli address

 

Devastation caused by the war in Lebanon  (AFP or licensors)

Pope

• Pope Leo XIV
• Regina Caeli
• civil society
• war
• peace
• Sudan
• eastern churches
• Ukraine
• Lebanon
• Africa
• apostolic journey

Pope: We have moral obligation to protect civilians from horrific effects of war

Following the recitation of the Regina Caeli, Pope Leo recalls the three years since the beginning of the conflict in Sudan, renewing his appeal to stop “this fratricidal war as soon as possible.” He then offers wishes of peace to the Eastern Churches that celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar and urges people not to forget the Ukrainian and Lebanese peoples. Finally, he asks for prayers for his apostolic journey to Africa that starts tomorrow April 13.

By Edoardo Giribaldi

“The principle of humanity, inscribed in the conscience of every person and recognized in international law, entails a moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the horrific effects of war.”

From this premise came the exhortation of Pope Leo XIV delivered this morning, April 12, as he addressed the faithful gathered in Saint Peter’s Square following the recitation of the Regina Caeli.

Keeping attention on tragedy of the war in Ukraine

The Pope extended his wishes for peace, “in communion of faith in the Risen Lord,” to the Eastern Churches that today celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar. His prayers also focused on those suffering due to wars and especially “for the dear people of Ukraine.”

“May the light of Christ bring comfort to afflicted hearts and strengthen the hope for peace. May the international community’s attention to the tragedy of this war not waver!”

Pain, fear, and hope in Lebanon

From Europe to the Middle East, Leo XIV reflected on “these days of sorrow, fear,” but also of “unwavering hope in God,” experienced by the “beloved” people of Lebanon.

“I call on the parties in the conflict to declare a ceasefire and urgently seek a peaceful solution.”

“How much the Sudanese people are suffering”

Continuing this symbolic journey around the world, the Pope then turned his gaze to Africa, recalling that Wednesday, April 15, marks three years since the beginning of the “bloody” conflict in Sudan.

“How much the Sudanese people are suffering, innocent victims of this inhuman tragedy!”

The Pope renewed his invitation to the warring parties to lay down their arms and begin, “without preconditions, a sincere dialogue aimed at ending this fratricidal war as soon as possible.”

Prayers for the Apostolic Journey

After greeting the groups of pilgrims present in Saint Peter’s Square, the Pope asked to be accompanied in prayer for his Apostolic Journey that will begin tomorrow, April 13, and will include four African countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.