Remembering the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus' grandparents, the pope talked about the plight of many elderly people in residence homes, explaining how the pandemic has exacerbated their solitude. To avoid contagion, many couldn't receive visits from their loved ones.
That's why from a window of the pontifical apartments, he gave this message to young people.
POPE FRANCIS
Do not leave them by themselves. Use the inventiveness of love, make telephone calls, video calls, send messages, listen to them, and, whenever possible, in compliance with the healthcare rules, go visit them. Give them a hug. They are your roots.
The pope also welcomed the ceasefire in the Donbass region, an agreement reached by Russia, Ukraine and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
POPE FRANCIS
I pray that what has been agreed upon will be put into practice, through an effective process of disarmament and mine clearance. This is the only way to rebuild confidence.
In July, the pope tends to clear his schedule to a minimum because it's his vacation time. That's why his only official meeting is the Sunday Angelus.
Moreover, the coronavirus has greatly reduced the number of pilgrims present in the square.
Javier Romero
Translation: Claudia Torres
