At the end of the general audience, Francis again invites us not to forget “the tormented Ukraine” but also Palestine, Israel, Myanmar and the many countries that are at war. And he recalls that tomorrow the Church celebrates Saint Anthony of Padua, preacher and protector of the poor and the suffering, asking us to follow his example, becoming “credible witnesses of the Gospel”
Alessandro Di Bussolo – Vatican City
“Today we need peace, war is always, from day one, a defeat.” Pope Francis asks everyone, once again, at the end of today’s general audience, not to forget “the tormented Ukraine”, but also Palestine, Israel, Myanmar and the many countries that are at war. And he renews his invitation:
We pray for peace. May the Lord give us strength to always fight for peace.
Greetings to the faithful of Frosinone, who celebrate the patron saint
In greeting the Italian-speaking faithful, the Pope had just addressed in particular those of the Diocese of Frosinone-Veroli-Ferentino, accompanied by Bishop Ambrogio Spreafico, who are celebrating the 1500th anniversary of the death of the holy Pontiff Ormisda, patron saint of the city of Frosinone. He also greeted the “Volley Academy Piacenza” which is committed “to promoting a safe sporting environment, in collaboration with the diocesan service for the protection of minors”, and the participants in the Academic, Social and Labor Forum of the Energy Industry, promoted by Scholas Occurrentes.
Saint Anthony of Padua and the Word that “satiates the mind”
Finally he recalled that tomorrow, 13 June, the liturgical memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church, will be celebrated, hoping that “The example of this illustrious preacher, protector of the poor and the suffering, will arouse in everyone the desire to continue the path of faith and imitate his life, thus becoming credible witnesses of the Gospel”. He also spoke about Saint Anthony, born in Lisbon, to the Portuguese-speaking pilgrims, recalling some of his words: “If you read Jesus, he will satisfy your mind”. He therefore encourages everyone “to meditate on the Holy Scripture. In it, Jesus invigorates us and illuminates our lives.”
