ÐÓMAPµ¼º½

ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ Francis at Sunday's Angelus ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ Francis at Sunday's Angelus  (Vatican Media)

ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ prays for flood victims in DRC and appeals for release of Colombia hostsages

ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ Francis appeals for the release of people who have been kidnapped in Colombia. He also expresses his closeness to the population of the Republic of Congo affected by extreme flooding.

By Francesca Merlo

Addressing the the crowds in Saint Peter's Square at the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus prayer, ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ Francis prayed "for the unconditional release of all the people currently kidnapped in Colombia". 

This gesture, the ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ added, which is a duty before God, will also help promote a climate of reconciliation and peace in the country.

Then, once again, the Holy Father asked for peace, in particular that the violence cease in "Ukraine, Israel, Palestine" and other conflicts raging in our world.

Democratic Republic of Congo

ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ Francis then expressed his closeness to the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where 300 have died following heavy rains that caused catastrophic flooding. Official data has shown that over 43,750 houses have collapsed from the extreme weather, while the country is on high alert as the risk of epidemics is rises due to the lack of sanitation and clean water. 

Christmas for Eastern Churches

Finally, ÐÓMAPµ¼º½ Francis also wished members of the Eastern churches following the Julian calendar a most "Holy Christmas in a spirit of joyful fraternity."

 

Thank you for reading our article. You can keep up-to-date by subscribing to our daily newsletter. Just click here

07 January 2024, 13:02