After the canonization Mass, at the Angelus, Pope Francis reiterates the appeal for countries at war and emphasizes the importance of the figure of St. Joseph Allamano in caring for “fragile and vulnerable” populations. He also urges to combat all forms of exploitation “of their dignity and their territories.”
By: Edoardo Giribaldi – Vatican News
Published:
“Let us continue to pray for the populations suffering because of war – the tormented Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, the tormented Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, and all the others – and we invoke the gift of peace for everyone.”
During the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis renews the call to pray for countries at war and greets the faithful who gathered to “honor” the newly canonized saints. In particular, the Maronite faithful, the “missionaries of the Consolata,” the institution founded by St. Joseph Allamano in 1901, and in 1910. Francis mentions the presence of the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, as well as a “large” Ugandan delegation present for the 60th anniversary of the canonization of the Ugandan martyrs.
The appeal for the protection of “fragile” populations
The figure of the new saint from Castelnuovo d’Asti “reminds us of the necessary attention to the most fragile and vulnerable populations,” says Francis, directly referring to the Yanomami people from the Amazon rainforest. Among them, the Pope recalls that “the miracle related to today’s canonization occurred.” I appeal to political and civil authorities to ensure the protection of these peoples and their fundamental rights against all forms of exploitation of their dignity and their territories.
The evangelical mission of every Christian
Francis also recalls today’s World Mission Day, with the theme “Go and invite everyone to the banquet,” emphasizing the nature of “announcement” as a bearer of a “festive encounter with the Lord who loves us and wants us to share in His bridal joy.” As the new saints teach us, says Francis, “every Christian is called to participate in this universal mission with their own evangelical testimony in every environment.” Let us support, with our prayers and help, all missionaries who, often with great sacrifice, bring the luminous announcement of the Gospel to every part of the earth.
After the prayer, the Pope crosses St. Peter’s Square in the Popemobile, greeting the faithful.
