During the Angelus, Pope Francis expressed his concern over the 26-year prison sentence for Nicaraguan Bishop, Rolando Álvarez. The Nicaraguan government has been persecuting the Catholic Church for some time, and Bishop Álvarez was convicted of what the government considers crimes of 'treason'—something he denies.
POPE FRANCIS
The news coming from Nicaragua has saddened me greatly, and I cannot fail to mention my concern for the Bishop of Matagalpa, Rolando Álvarez, whom I love so much.
The Pope also asked for prayers for people deported from the United States and those affected by the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. Pope Francis confessed that he had been troubled by the images he saw on TV.
POPE FRANCIS
Let us pray for them. Let us not forget. Let us pray and think what we can do for them. And let us also not forget the suffering Ukraine. May the Lord open paths of peace and give those responsible the courage to walk the people.
Pope Francis asked all the pilgrims present to pray to the Virgin Mary that the international community may find effective ways to put an end to the injustices and wars in the world.
JRB
TR: KG
