GENERAL
AUDIENCE POPE FRANCIS
Saint Peter's Square
Wednesday, 24 August 2016
Wednesday, 24 August 2016
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| PHOTO: www.meteoweb.eu |
I had prepared the Catechesis for today, as for all
Wednesdays during this Year of Mercy, focusing on the closeness of Jesus.
However, on hearing the news of the earthquake that struck central Italy, which
has devastated entire areas and left many wounded, I cannot fail to express my
heartfelt sorrow and spiritual closeness to all those present in the zones
affected. I also express my condolences to those who have lost loved ones and
my spiritual support to those who are anxious and afraid. Hearing the Mayor of
Amatrice say that “the town no longer exists”, and learning that there are
children among the dead, I am deeply saddened.
For this reason I want to assure all the people of
Accumoli, Amatrice, and beyond, in the Dioceses of Rieti, Ascoli Piceno, and
all the people of Lazio, Umbria and le Marche, of the prayer and close
solidarity of the entire Church who in these moments extends her maternal love.
We too present in this square offer you our embrace.
In thanking all the volunteer and rescue personnel who
are assisting these people, I ask you to join me in praying to the Lord Jesus,
who is always moved by compassion before the reality of human suffering, that
he may console the broken hearted and, by the intercession of the Virgin Mary,
bring them peace.
With Jesus let our hearts be moved with compassion.
And so we
will postpone this week’s Catechesis to next Wednesday. I invite you to pray
with me a part of the Holy Rosary, the Sorrowful Mysteries:
1. Jesus’
Agony in the Garden;
2. The Scourging at the Pillar;
3. The Crowning of Thorns;
4. Jesus carries his Cross to Calvary;
5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.
2. The Scourging at the Pillar;
3. The Crowning of Thorns;
4. Jesus carries his Cross to Calvary;
5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.
Special greetings:
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors
taking part in today’s Audience, particularly those from Ireland, Iraq,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the United States of America. My
special greeting goes to the members of the International Paralympic Committee
and the athletes preparing for the forthcoming Paralympic Games in Rio de
Janeiro. I also greet the participants in the General Assembly promoted by the
World Conference of Secular Institutes. With prayerful good wishes that the
present Jubilee of Mercy will be a moment of grace and spiritual renewal for
you and your families, I invoke upon all of you joy and peace in our Lord Jesus
Christ.
APPEAL FOR UKRAINE
In recent weeks international observers have expressed
concern for the exacerbation of the situation in eastern Ukraine. Today, while
that dear nation celebrates its national holiday, which coincides this year
with the 25th anniversary of independence, I assure my prayers for peace and I
renew my appeal to all parties involved and to the international bodies to
strengthen initiatives to resolve the conflict, to release hostages and respond
to the humanitarian emergency.
* * *
Lastly I address a thought to young people,
to the sick and to newlyweds. Today is the Feast
Day of the Apostle St Bartholomew. Dear young people, learn from
him that true strength is humility; dear sick people, do not tire
of asking in prayer for the Lord’s help; and you, dear newlyweds,
vie to esteem and help one another.
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