On the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Pope Francis greeted pilgrims from the window of the Apostolic Palace during the Angelus prayer.
The day marked 80 years since the bombing of Rome during World War II, where thousands of bombs were dropped on Roman neighborhoods to liberate them from Nazi occupation. It resulted in the destruction of almost ten thousand homes and the death of over three thousand people.
POPE FRANCIS
Unfortunately, even today these tragedies are repeated. How is this possible? Have we lost our memory? May the Lord have mercy on us and deliver the human family from the scourge of war. In particular, we pray for the dear Ukrainian people, who are suffering so much.
The Pope reflected on the Gospel of the day and asked Christians not to be discouraged when they do not see immediate results from their outreach to others. He asked them not to lose the missionary spirit.
POPE FRANCIS
Onward with joy, dear brothers and sisters! Let us remember the people who planted the seed of God's Word in our lives. Each of us think, 'How did my faith begin?' It may have sprouted years after we encountered their examples, but it happened precisely because of them!
As usual, Pope Francis ended his address by asking the audience to pray for him. He also sent greetings to the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles, who were gathered in Rome for their general chapter meeting.
PA
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