Pope Francis launches another appeal to world leaders that they may be protagonists of peace and not of war.
By Salvatore Cernuzio & Linda Bordoni
Pope Francis has again called for efforts on behalf of world leaders to embrace a culture of dialogue and become protagonists of peace and not of war.
He was speaking during the Regina Coeli address after the Canonization Mass in St Peter’s Square that saw the presence of over 50, 000 faithful from all over the world as well as government delegations honouring the ten new saints.
Noting that “it is good to see that, through their evangelical witness, these Saints have fostered the spiritual and social growth of their respective nations and also of the entire human family,” the Pope decried the many wars afflicting the world today and called on leaders to take responsibility.
“Sadly in the world distances grow and tensions and wars increase,” the Pope said, expressing hope that the new saints may inspire solutions “of togetherness and ways of dialogue.”
“Especially in the hearts and minds of those who hold positions of great responsibility and are called to be protagonists of peace and not of war.”
Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square
Spiritual and social growth
After having thanked the official delegations present in the Square, the Pope highlighted the precious witness of the six men and four women elevated to sainthood.
“It is good to see that, through their evangelical witness, these saints have fostered the spiritual and social growth of their respective nations and also of the entire human family.”
A tour in the popemobile
After the recitation of the Marian prayer, the Pope thanked the various prelates who concelebrated Mass, and then, aboard an uncovered white jeep, he made his way through the Square greeting the faithful and blessing the babies before a gust of wind blew his zucchetto off his head!
Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square
