Daniele Frison

Asif Masih, 25, and Shan Masih, 28, inhaled toxic gases after falling into a clogged manhole. They left behind their wives and three children each. The tragedy that occurred on Sunday 17 March sheds light on this category of workers, unprotected and discriminated against.

Francis expressed relief at the release of a teacher and four religious in Haiti, seized by criminal gangs. He urges the faithful to pray for “populations tormented by war”, especially Syrians, crushed by 13 years of war.

The Pope recalls International Women's Day: still "much work" to achieve "equal dignity." Closeness to "Muslim brothers and sisters" for the beginning of Ramadan tonight. Preoccupation with clashes in Haiti: "All kinds of violence cease." Invoked peace for Democratic Republic of Congo, Holy Land and "tormented Ukraine."

At the Angelus, Francis called on the parties to reach an "immediate ceasefire" and release the hostages. He also urged “safe access" to humanitarian aid. On disarmament, he says that “it is a duty" that requires the courage for the entire “family of nations”.

At the end of the Marian prayer the Pope recalled the anniversary of the war in Ukraine: "So many victims, wounded, destruction". He called for a 'diplomatic solution' that would lead to peace. He also looked with sorrow at the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria. Sympathy to the people of Mongolia for the record cold wave.

Francis once again called for peace in a world drenched in blood. He devoted a special thought to "Europe, Palestine, Ukraine", as well as Sudan and Mozambique, where violence is intensifying in the Cabo Delgado region. As Lent begins, he calls on the faithful to devote time to "silence" and "prayer".

At today's Angelus, XXXII World Day of the Sick, Francis recalled those who are not guaranteed the "right to care", and therefore "to life". A special thought was addressed to people living in "extreme poverty" and in war territories, especially in Myanmar, Ukraine, Palestine and Israel. The homage was paid to María Antonia de San José, the first Argentine saint canonised this morning.

Francis appealed again for peace at the Angelus: “let us all cooperate to build it with gestures of compassion and courage!” He also turned his thoughts to the people in East Asia and around the world set to celebrate lunar New Year on 10 February. May this feast “be an opportunity to experience relationships of affection” and “contribute to creating a society of solidarity and fraternity”. On the Day for Life promoted by the Italian Church, the pontiff expressed hope “that ideological visions can be overcome so as to rediscover that every human life [. . .] has an immense value”.

For Wael Suleiman, the war in Gaza hurts everyone. In Jordan, the war is seen as something “inside our home”. Today, working "for life" is even more important than working for a peace imposed by force. Europe must not go with the flow. Caritas is committed to bringing relief to an exhausted and needy population.

During the Angelus, Francis echoed the appeal of the Burmese bishops "that the weapons of destruction be transformed into instruments of growth in humanity and justice". He expressed his closeness to St Mary's Church in Istanbul, which was attacked this morning. A new appeal for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East: 'Respect the people'.

Francis kicked off the Year of Prayer, ahead of the 2025 Jubilee, asking us to pray “to prepare us to live well this event of grace.” He urged the faithful to pray "for Christian unity" and peace. He also turned his thoughts to the “many injured and killed children”. More than 10,000 have died in Gaza since the start of the conflict. We must “build peace for them!”

Open Doors just released its World Watch List, focused on the 50 countries with the highest levels of discrimination against Christians. Around the world, about 365 million were affected in 2023, up from previous years. North Korea is still at the top. In Asia, Yemen, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan follow. India is 11th with concerns for rising acts of hostility ahead of this year’s elections.