Pope Francis has called for a Day of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine this coming Wednesday, January 26th.

Expressing his concern again for the nation and the tensions that could further threaten stability and peace there, Pope Francis made this announcement following his midday Angelus prayer to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square on this Third Sunday of the Word of God.

“I am following with concern,” he stated, “the increase of tensions that threaten to inflict a new blow to the peace in Ukraine, and call into question the security of the European continent, with wider repercussions.

“I make a heartfelt appeal,” he continued, “to all people of good will, that they may raise prayers to God Almighty, that every political action and initiative may serve human brotherhood, rather than partisan interests.”

“Those who pursue their own interests, to the detriment of others,” the Pope underscored, “disregard their human vocation, as we were all created as brothers and sisters. For this reason, and with concern, given the current tensions, I propose that next Wednesday, 26 January be a day of prayer for peace.”

The Holy Father also recalled the beatifications that took place in El Salvador yesterday, and recalled this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in a special way.

The Pope remembered that yesterday, the Jesuit priest Rutilio Grande García and two lay companions, and the Franciscan priest Cosme Spessotto, all martyrs, were beatified in El Salvador’s capital of San Salvador.

“They stood by the poor, bearing witness to the Gospel, truth and justice even to the point of shedding their blood. May their heroic example inspire in everyone the desire to be courageous workers of fraternity and peace.

“A round of applause,” the Pope invited, “for the new blessed!”

In the context of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the Pope said, “I have accepted the proposal which has come from many quarters, and proclaimed Saint Irenaeus of Lyon a Doctor of the Universal Church.”

“The teaching of this saintly pastor and teacher is like a bridge between East and West: this is why we call him a Doctor of Unity, Doctor Unitatis. May the Lord grant us, through his intercession, to work together for the full unity of Christians.”

As usual the Pope concluded, wishing those present a good Sunday, lunch, and asking them to pray for him.

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Here is the full Vatican-provided English translation of the Pope’s remarks after the midday prayer:

***

Dear brothers and sisters,

Yesterday, the Jesuit priest Rutilio Grande García and two lay companions, and the Franciscan priest Cosme Spessotto, martyrs to the faith, were beatified in San Salvador. They stood by the poor, bearing witness to the Gospel, truth and justice even to the point of shedding their blood. May their heroic example inspire in everyone the desire to be courageous workers of fraternity and peace. A round of applause to the new blessed!

I am following with concern the increase of tensions that threaten to inflict a new blow to the peace in Ukraine, and call into question the security of the European continent, with wider repercussions. I make a heartfelt appeal to all people of good will, that they may raise prayers to God Almighty, that every political action and initiative may serve human brotherhood, rather than partisan interests. Those who pursue their own interests, to the detriment of others, disregard their human vocation, as we were all created as brothers and sisters. For this reason, and with concern, given the current tensions, I propose that next Wednesday, 26 January be a day of prayer for peace.

In the context of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, I have accepted the proposal which has come from many quarters, and proclaimed Saint Irenaeus of Lyon a Doctor of the Universal Church. The teaching of this saintly pastor and teacher is like a bridge between East and West: this is why we call him a Doctor of Unity, Doctor Unitatis. May the Lord grant us, through his intercession, to work together for the full unity of Christians.

And now I address my greeting to all of you, dear faithful of Rome and pilgrims who have come from Italy and other countries. I greet in particular the spiritual family of the Servants of Suffering and the Agesci Scouts of Lazio. And I also see that there is a group of compatriots: I greet the Argentines here present! And also the young people of the Immaculate Conception.

I wish you all a good Sunday. And please, do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch, and arrivederci.

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