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Vatican Media
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "Let us unite with the power of Good against the diabolical plots of war". This is the invitation that Pope Francis addressed to the whole world at the end of the Angelus prayer, on the eve of what the Pontiff himself announced as a day of prayer, fasting and penance to invoke from God the gift of peace.
The date, obviously, is not chosen by chance: October 7 marks the first anniversary of the terrorist attack, to whom I once again express my closeness.
"Let us not forget that there are still many hostages in Gaza. I ask for them to be released immediately", said Pope Francis, who recalls how "since that day, the Middle East has been plunged into a condition marked by increasing suffering, with destructive military actions continuing to strike the Palestinian people. This people is suffering very much in Gaza and in other territories. Most of them are innocent civilians, all of them are people who must receive all necessary humanitarian aid."
" I call for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon". "Let us pray for the Lebanese, especially for those who live in the south, who are forced to leave their villages", said Pope Francis
"I appeal to the international community, that it may work to end the spiral of revenge and prevent further attacks, like the one recently carried out by Iran, that could make that region fall into an even greater war," continued Pope Francis.
"All nations have the right to exist in peace and security, and their territories must not be attacked or invaded, their sovereignty must be respected through and guaranteed by dialogue and peace, not by hatred and war", continued the Pope who recalls this afternoon's appointment. Francis will in fact go to Santa Maria Maggiore, with the synod members, to pray the Rosary for peace in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. (F.B.) (6/10/2024)
