Pope: 'May there be comfort in the Holy Land, Ukraine, and Russia,' praying for hope amid suffering
Translated from Italian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Pope Francis, speaking from Castel Gandolfo, prayed for comfort and hope for peoples suffering from war, particularly in the Holy Land, Ukraine, and Russia.
- He specifically mentioned communities in the Holy Land, the Ukrainian and Russian people, and Christians facing discrimination or persecution.
- The Pope also extended his thoughts to the people of Colombia affected by an earthquake.
During his Angelus address from Castel Gandolfo, Pope Francis directed his prayers towards those suffering from the ravages of war, seeking solace and enduring hope for them. His message extended a particular embrace to communities in the Holy Land, a region deeply connected to the Virgin Mary, asking for divine consolation.
May they continue to hope.
The pontiff also included the people of Ukraine and Russia in his prayers, noting their shared filial devotion to the Holy Mother of God. He expressed concern for Christians worldwide who endure discrimination or outright persecution, praying for their strength and resilience.
I think of the brothers and sisters of the Holy Land, which is, par excellence, also the land of Mary.
Furthermore, Pope Francis extended his thoughts to the people of Colombia, who have recently been struck by an earthquake. His address underscored a global concern for suffering populations, transcending specific conflicts and natural disasters.
I think of the Ukrainian people and the Russian people, both linked by filial devotion to the Holy Mother of God.
Originally published by ANSA in Italian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.