REGINA
CÆLI POPE FRANCIS
Saint Peter's Square
Second Sunday of Easter (or Divine Mercy Sunday), 3 April 2016
Second Sunday of Easter (or Divine Mercy Sunday), 3 April 2016
On this day, which is like the heart of the
Holy Year of Mercy, my thought goes to all the populations who thirst for
reconciliation and peace. I think in particular, here in Europe, of the tragedy
of those who are suffering the consequences of violence in Ukraine: of those
who remain in lands shocked by the hostilities which have already caused
thousands of deaths, and of those — over a million — forced to flee from the
grave situation which is ongoing. It involves above all elderly people and
children. Besides accompanying them with my constant thoughts and with my
prayers, I have decided to promote humanitarian support in their favour. For
this purpose, a special collection will be taken up in all Catholic Churches in
Europe on Sunday, 24 April. I invite the faithful to join in this initiative
with a generous contribution. This act of charity, in addition to alleviating
material suffering, seeks to express my personal closeness and solidarity and
that of the entire Church. I sincerely hope that it may help to promote,
without further delay, peace and respect for law in that land so afflicted.
As we pray for peace, let us remember that
tomorrow is the International Day of Mine Awareness. Too many people continue
to be killed or maimed by these terrible weapons, and brave men and women risk
their lives clearing minefields. Let us please renew the commitment for a world
without mines!
Lastly, I greet all of you who have taken part
in this celebration, in particular the groups who cultivate the spirituality of
Divine Mercy.
Let all of us together turn to Our Mother in
prayer.
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