After praying the Regina Coeli, Pope Francis addressed some 20,000 pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, turning his attention to the war in Ukraine.
POPE FRANCIS
To the Holy Virgin, I offer in particular the sufferings and tears of the Ukrainian people.
Let us pray for the leaders of nations, that they not lose their sense of the people who want peace and know well that arms never bring it.
The Pope also prayed in a special way for the victims of an explosion in the Saratoga Hotel in Havana, Cuba.
POPE FRANCIS
Let us also pray for the victims of the explosion that occurred in a large hotel in Cuba's capital, Havana. May the Risen Christ guide them to the house of the Father and give comfort to their families.
According to the Cuban health ministry, at least 30 people have been killed by the blast with 24 still hospitalized, and the explosion has been attributed to a gas leak.
Of course, Pope Francis could not speak publicly on Mother's Day without praising the role of mothers in society.
POPE FRANCIS
With affection, we remember our mothers. A round of applause for moms! Also for those who are no longer down here with us, but live in our hearts.
The Pope also called for a round of applause for the recent beatification of Sister Aguchita, the Peruvian nun who was killed for her faith by the “Sendero Luminoso” terrorist group in 1990.
JM
