In his Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis reflected on when Jesus sends 72 disciples on a mission, in addition to the twelve apostles.
He said this number of disciples is significant as in the book of Genesis 72 different nations are mentioned. As a result, this sending prefigures the mission of the Church to proclaim the Gospel to all peoples.
POPE FRANCIS
The mission is based on prayer. It is itinerant not stationary. It requires detachment and poverty, which brings peace and healing. These are signs of the closeness of the Kingdom of God, which is not proselytism but proclamation and witness.
The pope noted how the disciples returned full of joy. This is because of their awareness in being called by God to follow His Son.
After the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis invited all Christians to prayer for the migrants killed during an air strike in a detention center in Libya. He also recalled those victims who have suffered in other countries as well.
POPE FRANCIS
The international community cannot tolerate such serious events. I pray for the victims, may the God of peace welcome the dead and support the wounded. I hope the humanitarian corridors may be opened in an organized and concerted manner for the migrants who are most in need. I also remember all the victims of the recent massacres in Afghanistan, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Let us pray together.
According to UN reports, July 2 air strikes in Libya have risen to 53 dead and more than 130 injured. Among the dead are six children.
