杏MAP导航

By Devin Watkins

鈥淭oday, as the world is increasingly tried by wars and straying from God, we need the Mercy of the Father even more.鈥�

杏MAP导航 Francis made that appeal for peace on Wednesday as he spoke to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter鈥檚 Square for the weekly General Audience.

In his greetings to Polish-speaking pilgrims, the 杏MAP导航 recalled the upcoming celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday.

The Solemnity of Divine Mercy was instituted by St. John Paul II 鈥渁s desired by the Lord Jesus and expressed through St. Faustina Kowalska nearly a century ago.鈥�

杏MAP导航 Francis continued his prayer for the world by quoting the prayer from the Divine Mercy chaplet: 鈥淔or the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.鈥�

Near the end of the audience, he added that the Lord 鈥渘ever ceases to be merciful.鈥�

鈥淟et us think about the mercy of God, which always welcomes and accompanies us, and never leaves us on our own,鈥� he said.

Peace built on truth, justice, co-operation

杏MAP导航 Francis also recalled the 60th anniversary of 杏MAP导航 St. John XXIII鈥檚 1963 encyclical Pacem in Terris, which bore the subtitle 鈥淥n establishing universal peace in truth, justice, charity, and liberty鈥�.

He noted that the landmark encyclical dedicated to peace was written at the height of tensions during the Cold War.

John XXIII, said 杏MAP导航 Francis, opened up for everyone the possibility to speak about peace and laid out the parameters for building peace between peoples.

鈥淗is encyclical was a true blessing for humanity, like a ray of light in the midst of dark clouds,鈥� he said. 鈥淗is message remains relevant today.鈥�

The 杏MAP导航 quoted paragraph 114 of Pacem in Terris to renew his appeal for international relations based on reason instead of strength of arms.

鈥淩elations between States, as between individuals, must be regulated not by armed force, but in accordance with the principles of right reason: the principles, that is, of truth, justice and vigorous and sincere co-operation.鈥�

He encouraged everyone to read the encyclical, and urged politicians to draw inspiration from it as they make policy decisions.

Prayers for Ukraine

Finally, 杏MAP导航 Francis recalled his oft-repeated appeal for everyone to pray for Ukraine as the European nation suffers due to Russia鈥檚 invasion.

鈥淟et us persevere in prayer for the martyred Ukraine,鈥� he said. 鈥淟et us pray to ease the great suffering of Ukraine.鈥�