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 invites the faithful to pray for his trip to the heart of Asia, which begins Aug. 31. "Jesus does not want to be a protagonist of history but of each person's today"
At the Angelus, Francis' call to prayer "for Ukraine and all the war-torn regions, of which there are many". Contemplating the Virgin ascending to Heaven, we learn that service to neighbour and praise of God are the secrets of a life that conquers death.
Francis made a heartfelt plea at the end of the Angelus. “This is a grave offense to God, because grain is His gift to feed humanity,” Francis said. “Let us not waste time and freedom on trivial things;” instead, let us seek Jesus, the “precious pearl”.
Consistory called for Sept. 30, on the eve of the Synod. Asians include Bishop Sebastian Francis of Penang. Pontiff's "sorrow" over new violence in Holy Land, hope for resumption of "direct dialogue." At Angelus Francis recalls the "things" that God has "hidden" from the wise and revealed to the "little ones" who know how to "welcome" them.
At the Angelus, the pontiff urges the faithful not to get tired from praying for peace, nor forget the victims of wars around the world. A prophet is not someone “who foretells the future”, but someone “who points Jesus out to others”. For this reason, in the Church, “even the littlest [. . .] have something important to say”.
Francis at the Angelus invites us not to fear persecution, but the waste of our existence chasing the idols of efficiency and consumerism. He also expresses closeness to the family of the young Vatican citizen Emanuela Orlandi, 40 years after her mysterious disappearance that still remains unanswered.
In his address during the Angelus, Francis noted that the sea was calm and that nothing was in the way of a rescue operation. As the UN marks World Refugee Days this coming week, “everything possible [must] be done to prevent similar tragedies,” the pope said. He thanked everyone for their show of affection and closeness during his surgery and hospitalisation. He also urged the faithful to pray for the students in Uganda and the people of Ukraine. The love of God is "the fundamental reality of life".
His post-operative course is progressing well. From his room Francis joined spiritually "with affection and gratitude" the faithful from around the world. In his message to Nobel laureates gathered for the Vatican meeting, the invitation to "not tire of shouting no to war." "Christian politicians are recognized by how they make the ideal of fraternity concrete at every level."
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