During the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis offers his prayers and closeness to victims of the volcanic eruption in Indonesia and flood victims in Valencia, Spain. He appeals for dialogue over unrest in Mozambique and an end to bloodshed in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Myanmar and Sudan.
By Vatican News
Speaking at the conclusion of Sunday’s Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the people of Indonesia’s Flores Island affected by the eruption of a volcano that started about a week ago and is continuing as local authorities have widened the emergency zone and evacuations.
Prayers for victims of Indonesia volcano
The Pope offered his prayers for the victims, the displaced and their families. Ten persons are confirmed dead and dozens injured as emergency evacuations are underway to move residents away from the areas affected. An eruption previously in January of the Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano forced the evacuation of some 6,500 residents in one of the most high-risk seismic zones of the country.
Remembering Valencia, Spain
Remembering Valencia and surrounding areas of Spain hit by massive flash floods in recent weeks, the Pope asked everyone to pray for the people and consider offering a helping hand in some way to assist them in rescue and relief efforts. The extreme flooding affected southern and eastern Spain in late October following heavy rains. Over 200 people died and emergency services are continuing their search for hundreds still missing. The natural disaster has been called the worst in Spain’s living memory.
Appeal for dialogue in Mozambique
The Pope then turned his thoughts to the southeast African nation of Mozambique where weeks of civil unrest continue following the nation’s contested elections last month and where international rights groups say dozens have been killed.
Expressing his concern about the worrying news coming from Mozambique, the Pope urged everyone to engage in dialogue and negotiation, to spare no energy in finding just solutions to the challenges. He urged everyone to pray for the people of the nation and that the present situation will not cause them to lose faith in the path of democracy, justice and peace.
Prayers for peace in our world
The Pope then renewed his appeals for world peace, remembering in particular the suffering Ukraine where hospitals and other civilian structures are being hit. He renewed his call for prayers for Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and for peace throughout the world.
Three-year anniversary of Laudato Si’ Platform
Three years have gone by since the launch of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform the Pope recalled and he thanked all those who have promoted this important initiative. Working to safeguard our common home through the protection of our environment is also what the latest global summit will be examining these days in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the COP 29 Climate Change Conference. The Pope expressed his hopes that this summit will make an effective contribution to the protection of our common home.
