After the Angelus prayer this Sunday, 20 August 2023, Pope Francis expresses his concern for the evolution of the situation in the African country and joins the bishops’ appeals for peace. He encourages the international community to work hard “for the good of all”.
These were the Pope’s words after the Marian prayer, provided by the Holy See Press Office:
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The Pope’s words
Dear brothers and sisters
I am following with concern what is happening in Niger. I join the Bishops’ appeal in favor of peace in the country and for stability in the Sahel region. I accompany with my prayers the efforts of the international community to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible for everyone’s benefit. Let us pray for the dear people of Niger. And let us also pray for peace for all populations wounded by war and violence. Let us especially pray for Ukraine, which has been suffering for some time.
I greet all of you, the faithful from Rome and pilgrims from various countries. In particular, I greet the new seminarians from the North American College and I wish them a good formative journey; I also greet the “de la Borriquita” community from Cadice, Spain; I greet the Polish people, thinking of the women and girls, pilgrims to the Shrine of Our Lady of Piekary Śląskie.
I greet the young people from the “Tucum” Project who today are beginning a Via Lucis through Italian railway stations to meet with people who live on the margins to bring them the hope of the Gospe.
I greet all of you and I wish you all a good Sunday. Please do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your dinner and arrivederci.
