Vatican City, 7 September 2014 (VIS) –
After today's Angelus prayer, the Pope launched an appeal for peace
in Ukraine. “In recent days, significant steps have been taken to
reach a truce in the regions affected by the conflict in eastern
Ukraine, even though today we have received news that gives little
cause for comfort”, he said.
“However”, he added, “I hope that
this may bring relief to the population and contribute to efforts
towards lasting peace. Let us pray that, in the logic of encounter,
the dialogue that has begun may continue and bear the hoped-for
fruit. Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us”.
He also joined the bishops of Lesotho
in making a plea for peace in their country. “I condemn every act
of violence and pray to the Lord that the peace may be re-established
in the Kingdom of Lesotho, in justice and fraternity”.
Pope Francis also recalled that this
Sunday a convoy of thirty Italian Red Cross volunteers leaves for
Iraq, headed for the area of Dohuk near Erbil, where there are tens
of thousands of displaced Iraqis. “I express my heartfelt
appreciation for this generous and valid work, and impart my blessing
to all of them and all those who seek to offer concrete assistance to
our persecuted and oppressed brothers. May the Lord bless you”.
Finally, he commented that on Monday
will be the liturgical feast of the Nativity of Mary. “It means it
would be her birthday. And what do we do when our it is our mother's
birthday? We greet her and offer her our best wishes. Tomorrow
remember, in the early morning, to greet the Virgin from your heart,
and say to her, 'Best wishes!'. And say a Hail Mary from your heart,
as a son or a daughter”.
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