Pope Francis denounced the current crisis in Nigeria during the Angelus.
He refers to scenes like these.
According to Amnesty International, around 40 people were killed in clashes between police and demonstrators last week. The wave of protests broke out in response to the brutality used by the law enforcement agencies.
POPE FRANCIS
“I am following with particular concern the news coming from Nigeria, regarding the violent clashes that have recently occurred between law enforcement and several young protesters. Let us pray to the Lord that any form of violence may always be avoided, in the constant search for social harmony through the promotion of justice and the common good.”
The pope also reflected on Sunday's Gospel in which Jesus explains that love is the main commandment: Love of God, of neighbor and of oneself.
POPE FRANCIS
“There are people who seek to fulfil the commandments in an anxious or forced manner, and Jesus helps us understand that moral and religious life cannot be reduced to anxious or forced obedience, but must have love as its precept.”
At the end the pope greeted the pilgrims in the square, which remain few due to the restrictions of the pandemic.
Javier Romero
Translation: Christian Campos
