Following the recitation of the Angelus prayer on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis turned his thoughts to the suffering in so many parts of the world due to conflicts and wars. He recalled the peoples of Ukraine, the Middle East, Palestine, Israel, Sudan, and Myanmar. And he prayed that “Mary Queen of Peace, whom we contemplate today in the glory of Paradise,” may “obtain for all consolation and a future of serenity and harmony.”
Grave humanitarian situation in Gaza
The Pope prayed in particular for the suffering people of Gaza where the humanitarian crisis has reached catastrophic levels. He appealed for “a ceasefire on all fronts, for the release of hostages, and for aid to the exhausted population.” He also encouraged every effort to avoid any escalation in the conflict and that “paths of negotiation” be pursued so this tragedy can be stopped. He punctuated his remarks again, reminding all that war always marks a defeat.
