Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Today, after the Angelus prayer, addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV once again raised his voice in defence of those suffering from the conflicts that brutally affect the world. “War only begets more war and causes immense suffering,” Leo said.
Speaking in English, he spoke about the tragic situation in Sudan, particularly the city of el-Obeid, the heart of a forgotten conflict in Africa that is causing an unprecedented humanitarian emergency worldwide.
“I renew my appeal to those in authority to guarantee humanitarian corridors for the civilian population,” Leo said. “At the same time, I urge the international community to support efforts aimed at bringing about an immediate ceasefire. Let us pray that the Lord may sustain those who are suffering, convert the hearts of those who sow violence, and grant the long-awaited peace.”
In Italian, Leo bemoaned “Distressing reports [that] continue to arrive of innocent people being killed and injured in Ukraine and Russia. These incidents are occurring one after another, indeed they are multiplying, resulting in ever-increasing numbers of civilian victims, including children.
“My thoughts are with the victims’ families, the wounded and all those who are suffering due to the ongoing conflict. In the face of so much anguish, I renew my heartfelt appeal for humanitarian law to be respected and for both sides to cease attacks on civilian targets. It is time to put an end to this vicious cycle of violence and make room for diplomacy and dialogue, so as to open the way to peace.”
Before the Angelus prayer, commenting on the Gospel passage in today’s liturgy, with Peter and the apostles frightened in the storm immediately after the multiplication of the loaves, the pope noted that the apostles had not been satisfied “to have witnessed a miracle, nor to have succeeded in the eyes of the people; instead, they had to experience their own weakness and, within it, recognize God’s presence.”
In fact, “Only this experience could open their eyes and hearts to his closeness, finding peace even in the midst of the storm. [. . .] This miracle,” he added, “teaches us something important. First, not to get carried away by success and never to be presumptuous.
Secondly, it teaches us “At the same time, not to despair, even in moments of darkness, when we feel powerless in the face of problems and, despite our efforts, it seems as though we are going backwards rather than forwards.”
Ultimately, “Whatever the circumstances, Jesus does not abandon us, and if we humbly welcome him into the boat of our lives – through prayer, the sacraments and listening to his Word – in him, we will find peace, light and strength for our journey.”
Finally, to the many groups of young people present in St Peter's Square, Leo said to follow as role models some saints whose feasts are celebrated at this point in time.
“Yesterday was the great Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers; today, Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Edith Stein, the Carmelite who was killed at Auschwitz and is Co-Patroness of Europe; tomorrow, Saint Lawrence, deacon of the Church of Rome; and the day after tomorrow, Saint Clare of Assisi, who left a life of comfort to follow Jesus, poor and humble, in the footsteps of her fellow citizen, Saint Francis.
“Dear young people, allow yourselves to be inspired by these exemplary witnesses to the Gospel!”
