In August, the Pope resumed his General Audiences after his July vacation and his post-surgery recovery. This is how he was welcomed back.
Among the pilgrims were the director and lead actor of the TV series, “The Chosen.”
-“I have the honor of playing the role of Jesus in the TV series, 'The Chosen.'”
-“Well, may you imitate Him, may you find Him, and may He make you happy.”
-“Thank you.”
Since the Paralympic Games in Tokyo were held in August, the Pope sent participants a special greeting.
POPE FRANCIS
'I thank the athletes for their witness of hope and courage. They show how a commitment to sports helps overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.'
-“We're from Athletica Vaticana, its paralympic team.”
Throughout the month, the Pope remained attentive as different countries pulled their troops out of Afghanistan and the Taliban took over. Thousands of people fled to the Kabul airport in an effort to leave the country.
POPE FRANCIS
'I join the unanimous concern for the situation in Afghanistan. I ask all of you to pray with me to the God of peace so that the clamor of weapons might cease and solutions can be found at the table of dialogue.'
The Pope was also moved by the situation in Haiti following the earthquake on Aug. 14 that claimed at least 2,200 lives and injured more than 12,000 people.
POPE FRANCIS
August 15, 2021
'I express my closeness to the dear people hard hit by the earthquake.'
Pope Francis concluded the month with an important appointment. He named a nun and economics expert as the second ranking person of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Her name is Alessandra Smerilli. The 46-year-old is now in charge of coordinating and promoting initiatives about delicate matters like poverty, the economy, the environment and migration.
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