In his speech following reciting the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis recalls the celebration of one of God’s word and expresses his closeness to the people of Myanmar, Peru and Ukraine
After reciting the angelic prayer, Pope Francis greeted the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square and said, “This third Sunday of the year is dedicated in a special way to the word of God.” Let us rediscover with astonishment the fact that God speaks to us, especially through the Holy Scriptures. Let’s read it, study it, meditate and pray with it. Let us read every day a passage from the Bible, especially from the Gospel: there Jesus speaks to us, enlightens us, guides us. And I remind you of what I have said on other occasions: carry a small Bible with you, a pocket Bible, always carry it with you in the bag; And when there is a moment during the day, read something from the Bible. It is Jesus who accompanies us.
Today, I would like to express my wishes of peace and well-being to all those celebrating the Lunar New Year in the Far East and around the world, Pope Francis continued. However, on this auspicious occasion, I cannot help but express my spiritual closeness to all those who are experiencing moments of distress caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with the hope that the existing difficulties will soon be overcome. Finally, I hope that kindness, sensitivity, solidarity and harmony, all of which are experienced in the traditionally gathered families of these days, may perpetually characterize and characterize our relationships, familial and social, so that we may live a peaceful and happy life. happy New Year!
The Holy Father added, “My thoughts turn especially painfully to Myanmar, where the Church of the Virgin Mary of the Assumption in Chan Thar village, one of the oldest and most important places of worship in the country, was set on fire. I am close to the defenseless civilian population who in many cities are subjected to severe trials. We ask God that this conflict ends soon and a new era of forgiveness, love and peace begins. Let us raise our prayers together to the Virgin for Myanmar. I also invite you to pray for an end to the violence in Peru. Violence dispels hope for a just solution to problems. I encourage all concerned parties to follow the path of dialogue between brothers of the same nation, in full respect for human rights and the rule of law. And I unite with the Bishops of Peru in saying: No to violence, whatever its source! enough death!
Pope Francis concluded by saying that Cameroon is giving us positive signs that make us hope for progress towards resolving the conflict in the Anglophone regions. I encourage all signatories to the agreement to persevere on the path of dialogue and mutual understanding, because only in meeting can we plan for the future. And in these days, while we pray especially for the complete unity of all Christians, do not forget, please, to implore peace for the suffering Ukraine: may the Lord comfort and sustain this people who suffer so much.
