The Pope, who usually performs this Sunday’s Angelus prayer from the window of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, has apparently recovered from a mild flu that forced him to cancel all planned meetings this Saturday. Francisco was warm, for the sleeves of his cardigan were visible under his cassock, but he looked well and spoke in a good tone.
As this was his first public speech since he began his spiritual practice a week ago, he spoke on several current issues. After the blessing, he recalled “painfully” the second anniversary of the outbreak of the massive war in Ukraine. “There are many victims, injuries, destruction, pain and tears in a period that has become very long and has no end in sight,” Francis concluded.
The pope said it was a war that “has not only devastated that part of Europe, but has triggered a wave of fear and hatred across the globe.” The Pope reiterated his “concern for the suffering people of Ukraine” and said he prayed for all, “especially for the many innocent victims” and asked for “a minimum of humanity to create a diplomatic solution” Conditions” for a just and lasting peace.
Francis also asked for prayers “for Palestine, Israel and the many people ravaged by war” and called for help for those suffering. “Let us think of so much pain, let us think of the innocent children who were injured,” he implored.
In a slightly longer speech than usual, he added that he was concerned about the “increase in violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo” and called for a “concrete and constructive dialogue”. Recently, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported that some 135,000 people in the region had to flee the city of Sakai due to fighting between the M23 guerrillas and the armed forces.
He also decried a wave of kidnappings in Nigeria, which has recorded nearly four thousand cases of such crimes in the past nine months. Pope Francis appealed to the government: “I pray and express my closeness to the people of Nigeria that they will do their utmost to prevent the spread of these events.”
Cold wave hits Mongolia
Finally, he sent greetings to Mongolia, which he visited in early September, “The people of this country are suffering from a wave of severe cold, causing serious humanitarian consequences.” Local media said that the country’s largest snowfall since 1975 has caused about 668,000 people to die. A cow dies, which is a serious problem for the rural population.
“Such extreme phenomena are also signs of climate change and its effects,” said the Pope. He concluded: “The climate crisis is a global social problem that profoundly affects the lives of many brothers and sisters, especially the most vulnerable. : Let us pray for wise and courageous decisions to contribute to the care of creation.”
Before leaving, the pope greeted at his window a large crowd of pilgrims from Jaén in the Plaza de San Pedro.