In St. Peter's Square, in front of 20,000 people, the pope reflected on the First World War, which ended 100 years ago.
At 13:30 p.m. the bells of St. Peter's resounded along with those of churches around the world to remember this tragic page of history.
POPE FRANCIS
“We don't seem to learn. As we pray for all the victims of that immense tragedy, let us say forcefully: let us invest in peace, not in war!”
Pope Francis also commented on the Gospel of the day. He asked people to take the example of the widow who left as alms all of what little she had.
POPE FRANCIS
“When we are tempted by the desire to appear and be noticed for our gestures of altruism. When we take too much interest in what others say; and, allow me this expression, when we act like 'peacocks,' let us think of this woman. It will do us good. It will help us to strip ourselves of superficiality in order to do what really counts and remain humble.”
The pope also recalled that next Sunday the World Day of the Poor will be celebrated; and in St. Peter's Square a medical post will be prepared to care for the needy.
