After a localised nodule was found in his lung, Leo “decided to undergo surgery to remove it” in “the coming days” at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. The Holy See Press Office expects a one-week post-operative hospital stay. Regarding “tormented Ukraine”, the pontiff issued an appeal for the “safe transport” of grain in the Black Sea.
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.
Today, after the recitation of the Angelus, Bergoglio quoted the words of the Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land. "We still do not have, in all humanity, an education that stops all war," he said. He launches an appeal to those who hold power in conflicts: "War is not the way to resolve them".
At the Angelus on the last day of 2023 the appeal that "those who have interests in these conflicts should listen to the voice of conscience". On the feast of the Holy Family the invitation to "always defend and support the family, the fundamental cell of society". Benedict XVI's remembrance one year after his death: "He served the Church with love and wisdom, from Heaven he accompanies us".
At the Angelus, Francis returns to look the window above St Peter's Square and personally pronounces his reflection. In the afternoon the traditional homage to Our Lady in Piazza di Spagna, with a prayer for peace in Ukraine, Palestine and Israel and other war-torn lands. A new World Children's Day was announced, to be celebrated for the first time in Rome on 25 and 26 May 2024.
At the end of the Marian prayer, the pontiff said that tomorrow's Mass for the Dead will be held at the Rome War Cemetery. He urged the faithful again to pray for the populations suffering from today's wars, in particular in Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel. On the feast day of All Saints, he emphasised the two traits of holiness: a gift "for all" and a journey "to be made together.”.
Francis at the Angelus invited dioceses and parishes to be "burning hearts and walking feet". Proximity to the Anglican hospital and the Greek Orthodox church hit by bombing in recent days. "Brothers, stop. Open spaces for humanitarian aid."
Francis made a new appeal at the Angelus, calling again for the release of the hostages. He warned that “already many have died. Please, let no more innocent blood be shed”. He urged the faithful around the world to take part in the day of prayer and fasting called by the Church of the Holy Land for Tuesday, 17 October. On Nagorno Karabakh, the pontiff urged local authorities and population to respect monasteries and places of worship, “sign of a fraternity that makes it possible to live together despite differences.”
During the Angelus, Francis appealed for action as tens of thousands of people flee the Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan. In October, the pontiff urges the faithful to pray the Rosary for peace and the evangelization of peoples. On 6 November, he will meet children from all over the world to learn from them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to them.
At the Angelus on Migrant and Refugee Day Pope Francis thanks the Italian Church for welcoming initiatives. "God does not count on our goodness but on the generosity of His grace".
At the end of the Marian prayer, the pontiff mentioned "Rencontres Méditerranéennes", which he plans to attend, calling it a "fine initiative" that can "promote paths of peace". The pope urged the faithful to pray for the Ukrainian people and every land "bloodstained" by war. He also noted that the Gospel encourages “forgiveness" to “defuse anger and heal so many maladies of the heart that contaminate society.”
At the Angelus, Francis cited the example of the Polish couple killed in 1944 with their 7 children by the Nazis for having given refuge to the Jews and who were today proclaimed blessed. Closeness in prayer to the "dear people of Morocco" affected by the devastating earthquake. In the commentary on today's liturgy the path of authentic fraternal correction, an antidote to the "plague of chatter".
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