Francis called for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine and criticized the Ukrainian law limiting religious freedom: “Churches do not touch each other.” He expressed concern about the monkeypox epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He expressed solidarity with the people of Nicaragua oppressed by the Ortega regime.
Vatican City () – “We continue to pray for an end to so many wars: Palestine, Israel, Myanmar and many others. The people are asking for peace. Let us pray that the Lord may give us all peace.” After praying the last Angelus of the month of August, Pope Francis again strongly called for peace and an end to violence in the world, at the same time that Israel launched a preemptive attack against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, which was followed in response by the launching of 320 rockets against 11 Israeli sites, raising fears for the already shaky stability of the region. This morning, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had convened the security cabinet.
From the window of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father also said that he is following with pain “the fighting in Ukraine and in the Russian Federation.” Regarding the latest news on this front, he said he is concerned about “the freedom of those who pray.” In Ukraine, in fact, the text that, according to Volodymyr Zelensky, reinforces the “spiritual independence” of the faithful, against the Ukrainian Church linked to the Moscow Patriarchate, has become law. “He who truly prays, always prays for everyone. No one does anything wrong by praying. If someone does wrong against his people, he will be guilty of that, but he cannot have committed wrong by having prayed,” said Bergoglio. The new law was approved with 265 votes in favor and 25 against. “Let those who want to pray within what they consider their Church be allowed to pray. Please, let no Christian Church be abolished directly or indirectly. Churches are not to be touched,” he added.
The Pope also shared his concern about the worsening monkeypox epidemic, which began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in September 2023 and has seen an increase in cases. “I wish to express my solidarity with the thousands of people affected by monkeypox, which already constitutes a global health emergency,” Francis said, saying he was praying for those infected. “I express my closeness to the local Churches in the countries most affected by this disease. And I encourage governments and private industries to share the technology and treatments available so that no one lacks adequate medical care,” he added, insisting on the centrality of the right to health for all.
Pope Francis also recalled the people of Nicaragua, who are suffering from the oppressive measures of President Ortega, who has also extended public control to religious activities. “I encourage you to renew your hope in Jesus. Remember that the Holy Spirit always guides history towards higher projects. May the Immaculate Virgin protect you in times of trial and make you feel her maternal tenderness,” he encouraged. Indeed, there have been arrests of religious, expulsions and the introduction of a tax on income from donations from the faithful. “May Our Lady accompany the beloved people of Nicaragua,” he said.
Before reciting the Angelus, the Pope commented on the Gospel of the day (Jn 6:60-69), making special reference to Peter’s words: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6:68). “It is a beautiful expression, which bears witness to the friendship and trust that unites him to Christ, together with the other disciples,” said Francis. A friendship that is difficult to live, because “Jesus’ decisions often go beyond the common mentality, beyond the canons of institutional religion and traditions, to the point of creating provocative and embarrassing situations.” It is a challenge that still concerns all faithful people today and that can be faced despite the difficulties. “The closer we are to Him – the more we adhere to His Gospel, receive His grace in the Sacraments, remain in His company in prayer, imitate Him in humility and charity – the more we experience the beauty of having Him as a Friend, and we give ourselves to Him.” realize that only He has the words of eternal life.”
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