Pope Francis said goodbye to Rome one day before beginning what will be the longest trip of his pontificate. The pilgrims present in St. Peter's Square wished him a pleasant journey.
During his Sunday Angelus, the Pope remembered the victims of an attack in Burkina Faso, which claimed the lives of more than 200 people.
POPE FRANCIS
It was with grief I learned that on Saturday, August 24, in the commune of Barsalogho, Burkina Faso, hundreds of people, including women and children, were killed and many others wounded in a terrorist attack. In condemning these heinous attacks against human life, I express my sympathy to the entire nation and my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
This was not the first attack. Since 2015, the African country has been battling jihadist groups.
Additionally, Pope Francis again expressed his solidarity with the victims of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. He insisted on a cease-fire and urged negotiations to continue and for the hostages to be released.
POPE FRANCIS
Let the hostages be released; let the people in Gaza, where so many diseases, including polio, are also spreading. Let there be peace in the Holy Land. Let there be peace in Jerusalem!
Caritas Jerusalem is working to help contain this disease. Despite logistical difficulties, a vaccination campaign was launched in the Gaza Strip.
AM
TR: KG