The pope did not miss the flag of Honduras that some pilgrims brought with them to the square.
POPE FRANCIS
I see a flag there, that makes me think of the populations of Central America, hit in recent days by a violent hurricane, which claimed many victims and caused immense damage, aggravated by the already difficult situation of the pandemic. May the Lord welcome the deceased, comfort their families and sustain those most in need, as well as all those who are doing all they can to help them.
Hurricane Eta has devastated several Central American countries. In Guatemala there are at least 150 missing; and in Honduras, 23 deaths, in addition to landslides, floods and many damages.
Pope Francis also prayed for Ethiopia, where nine million people could be displaced from their homes because of the conflict in the Tigray region.
He also asked for prayers for the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, which seeks to build peace and stability in Libya.
He also called for a round of applause for a 19-year-old Spanish martyr who had just been beatified.
POPE FRANCIS
He was a witness to Jesus in the workplace and remained faithful to Him up to the supreme gift of life. May his example inspire in us all, especially to the youth, the desire to live the Christian vocation fully. A round of applause to this young Blessed, so brave!
In commenting on the day's Gospel, the pope recalled the temptation of only thinking about the present and believing that no one will not suffer the consequences of one's wrong actions.
POPE FRANCIS
So people only care about possessing, of going about, establishing themselves… And more and more. If we allow ourselves to be guided by what seems most attractive to us, of what we like, by the search for our interests, our life becomes sterile.
Pope Francis highlighted the beauty of a life full of good deeds whose fruits will also be harvested at the moment of death, when one can rejoice in Heaven.
Javier Romero
Translation: Christian Caampos
