In his weekly Angelus greeting to the crowds of pilgrims in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis called to mind the witness of 20 Spanish people killed during the country's civil war, who were recently beatified in Seville.
POPE FRANCIS
These martyrs bore witness to Christ to the end. May their example comfort the many Christians in our time who are discriminated against for their faith. An applause for the new blesseds.
The Pope remembered the people of Myanmar following the recent escalation of violence between the country's military and an armed alliance of ethnic groups. And he continued to express his solidarity with everyone living in countries in conflict, including Ukraine, Israel and Gaza—encouraging them not to give up.
POPE FRANCIS
Peace is possible. It takes good will. Peace is possible. Let us not resign ourselves to war! And let us not forget that war always, always, always is a defeat. Only the arms manufacturers gain.
Pope Francis also praised the work of the local churches in helping those most in need, especially on the day dedicated to them.
POPE FRANCIS
We celebrate the Seventh World Day of the Poor, which this year has the theme: “Do not look away from the poor.” I thank those in the dioceses and parishes who have promoted initiatives of solidarity with individuals and families who are struggling to get by.
Immediately after the Angelus prayer, the Pope had lunch with more than 1,000 people in need in the Paul VI Audience Hall to mark this World Day of the Poor.
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