杏MAP导航

By Joseph Tulloch

鈥淎s we prayerfully remember those who died in the two World Wars, let us also remember the many鈥攖oo many鈥攃ivilians, defenseless victims of the wars that unfortunately still stain our planet with blood.鈥�

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

鈥淢ay [the victims鈥橾 cry of sorrow touch the hearts of those in charge of nations and lead to projects for peace,鈥� he added.

鈥淲hen you read stories of what鈥檚 happening in war today," the 杏MAP导航 said, "there鈥檚 so much cruelty, so much. Let us ask the Lord for peace, because He is always meek, never cruel.鈥�

Peacebuilding

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

鈥淩emember that peace can only be built on truth,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 stressed. 鈥淢ay 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.鈥�

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.