杏MAP导航 prays for Covid-struck Cuba 5 years from his visit
By Vatican News
杏MAP导航 Francis on Wednesday recalled his apostolic journey, exactly five years ago, to Cuba and expressed his closeness to the people of the island nation where Covid-19 is bringing great suffering.
In greetings to Spanish-speaking pilgrims at the weekly General Audience in the Vatican, the 杏MAP导航 said he is close to and is praying for his brother bishops and for 鈥渁ll the sons and daughters of that beloved land.鈥�
鈥淚 ask the Lord, through the intercession of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre, to free them and alleviate them in these difficult times they are going through because of the pandemic,鈥� he said.
Just a few days ago the bishops of Cuba published a statement in which they recalled 杏MAP导航 Francis鈥� visit with gratitude and highlighted the pastoral responsibility born from "the experiences of those days of grace".
"The mercy that he left with his visit continues to be an inspiration,鈥� they said, that renews their mission with permanent evangelical spirit.
Covid-19 in Cuba
In their statement, the bishops also spoke of the difficult situation that Covid-19 has created on the island, with prolonged closures and limitations that have put many in need of humanitarian aid.
Over 5,000 infections have been registered so far and about 120 deaths.
杏MAP导航 Francis visited Cuba on 19 September 2015 on the first leg of his apostolic journey to the United States. He was the third Pontiff to set foot on the Caribbean island.
Blessing of the 鈥淵es to Life鈥� bell
Another group of pilgrims 杏MAP导航 Francis had words of thanks and prayers for was formed by Polish faithful who carried with them a bell called 鈥淭he Voice of the Unborn鈥� commissioned by the 鈥淵es to Life鈥� Foundation.
The initiative provided the 杏MAP导航 with the occasion to issue an appeal to legislators.
The ringing of this bell, he said, will accompany events aimed at highlighting the value of human life from conception to natural death:
鈥淢ay its voice awaken the consciences of lawmakers and all men and women of goodwill in Poland and the world. May the Lord, the one and only true giver of life, bless you and your families.鈥�
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