Pope Francis expressed his concern for the situation in Iraq during the Angelus prayer. He firmly assured that these crimes gravely offend God.
POPE FRANCIS
'Children dead from thirst and hunger during the escape; women who are abducted; people slaughtered; violence of every kind; destruction everywhere, destruction of homes, destruction of religious, historical and cultural patrimonies. All this greatly offends God and greatly offends humanity. You cannot bring hatred in the name of God! You cannot make war in the name of God!'
Iraqis have lived in fear from the hostile takeover by the terrorist group ISIS. Christians have been forced to flee their homes to escape the sectarian violence that has erupted.
Francis asked those present in the square for a moment of silent prayer for those who are persecuted.
The Pope also asked for prayers for Gaza where the conflict has claimed the lives of almost 2,000 people.
POPE FRANCIS
'Also in Gaza, after a ceasefire, war has started again, that kills innocent victims, children, and does nothing more than to worsen the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians.â?
Western Africa was another area of concern. The Pope remembered the victims of the Ebola epidemic that has spread throughout various countries.
POPE FRANCIS
'Let us pray as well for the victims of the Ebola virus and for those who are fighting to stop it.â?
The Pope concluded by asking the thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray for his upcoming trip to South Korea.
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