On the 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time and after reciting the Sunday Angelus, the Holy Father wished to express his closeness to the families of the 46 inmates killed following a riot in the women’s prison of Támara, in Honduras, last Tuesday.

These are the Pope’s words after the Marian prayer, provided by the Holy See Press Office:

The Pope’s words after the Angelus

Dear brothers and sisters,

I was very saddened by what happened a few days ago in the women’s Penitentiary Centre of Támara in Honduras. Terrible violence between rival gangs caused death and suffering. I pray for the deceased; I pray for their families. May the Virgin of Suyapa, Mother of Honduras, help hearts to open themselves to reconciliation and to create space for fraternal co-existence, even within prisons.

In these days, the 40th anniversary of the disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi occurred. I wish to take advantage of this occasion to express once again my closeness to the members of her family, especially her mother, and assure them of my prayers. I extend a remembrance to all families who bear the sorrow of a dear one who has disappeared.

I greet all of you, pilgrims from Rome, from Italy and various countries, in particular, to the faithful from Bogotá, Colombia.

I greet the Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order from Pisa; the children from Gubbio, Perugia and Spoleto; the group from Limbadi who are celebrating the young Leo; those participating in the motorcycle pilgrimage from Cesena and Longiano; and the Radio Maria volunteers who, with the huge banner, invite “everyone under the mantle” of the Virgin Mary, to implore the gift of peace from God. And we ask this especially for the suffering Ukrainian people.

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