The situation in the Middle East did not improve during July. The same month when the Pope typically reduces his public activity for the summer.
So, in his first event addressing the public, Pope Francis launched this appeal for peace.
POPE FRANCIS
I reiterate my appeal to all parties involved to ensure that the conflict does not escalate and to cease fire imediately on all fronts, beginning with Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is so grave; it is unbearable. I pray that the sincere search for peace will extinguish strife, love will win out over hate and revenge will be disarmed by forgiveness.
The Pope also asked for prayers for Ukraine, Myanmar and Sudan and discussed other problems in the world.
POPE FRANCIS
Let us unite our efforts and prayers for the elimination of ethnic discrimination in regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, especially discrimination against women.
A few minutes earlier, Pope Francis had resumed his catechesis on the Holy Spirit, encouraging pilgrims to trust in Him. The Pope said it is only in this way that miracles come true.
POPE FRANCIS
Each of us sometimes find ourselves in situations in life that are beyond our strength and ask ourselves, “How can I cope with this situation?” It helps, in such cases, to repeat to oneself what the angel told the Virgin Mary, “Nothing is impossible for God.”
At the end of the audience, this group of traditional dancers from Mexico greeted the Pope. It was not their first time in Rome, where they are already well-known at the Vatican.
JRB
TR: KG
