Pope Francis prayed on Friday for peace in the world, condemned the violent attacks against innocent people in Gaza and expressed his closeness to the victims of the terrorist attacks in Chad and the floods in Spain.
Vatican News
As pilgrims gathered in the courtyard of St. Peter’s Basilica on November 1, the feast of All Saints, Pope Francis prayed once again for peace in the world.
Prayer for the victims of war.
As he often says, Pope Francis recalled Ukraine, Myanmar and South Sudan before praying for peace in the Middle East. He said, “Brothers and sisters, war always ends in defeat, always!” He described war as “despicable” and explained that “it is the triumph of lies and falsehood, which seeks the maximum benefit for oneself and the maximum loss for the adversary, human life, the environment, infrastructure; everything is trampled and everything is hidden.” behind a lie.
Pope Francis said countless innocent lives are lost in war. He recalled in particular “the 153 women and children murdered in recent days in Gaza.”
Closeness to the victims of the terrorist attack in Chad
Next, Pope Francis also expressed his thoughts about the victims of the recent attack in Chad. On October 27, 40 soldiers were killed when members of the Boko Haram jihadist group attacked a military base near the border with Nigeria. The Pope expressed his closeness to the victims and their families.
Prayer for the victims of the hurricane in Valencia
The Pope also urged people to pray for the people of the Iberian Peninsula, and in particular for the Valencian Community devastated by Hurricane Dana. The Pope prayed “for the deceased and their loved ones and for all the families affected,” adding that “may the Lord accompany those who suffer and provide relief. I express my spiritual closeness to the Valencian people.”
