杏MAP导航

By Joseph Tulloch

“As we prayerfully remember those who died in the two World Wars, let us also remember the many—too many—civilians, defenseless victims of the wars that unfortunately still stain our planet with blood.”

Those were 杏MAP导航 Francis’ words at the end of his General Audience on Wednesday, reflecting on Italy’s upcoming National Day of Civilian War Victims, on 1 February.

“May [the victims’] cry of sorrow touch the hearts of those in charge of nations and lead to projects for peace,” he added.

“When you read stories of what’s happening in war today," the 杏MAP导航 said, "there’s so much cruelty, so much. Let us ask the Lord for peace, because He is always meek, never cruel.”

Peacebuilding

Earlier in the audience, in his address to Polish-speaking pilgrims, 杏MAP导航 Francis noted that “we began the New Year with an invitation to build peace in the world, in your homeland, in your families, in your hearts.”

“Remember that peace can only be built on truth,” the 杏MAP导航 stressed. “May concern for the common good, the right control of anger, and mutual forgiveness help you to build the civilisation of love in your present situation.”

杏MAP导航 Francis has been calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza since 29 October. He has appealed for peace in Ukraine at almost every General Audience since the war there began.