Pope Francis invokes the intercession of Our Lady for the many situations of suffering in the world, turning his attention in particular to Haiti where a transitional Council has just been asked to appoint a new head of government.
By Linda Bordoni
Pope Francis called for prayers for the people of Haiti who are in desperate need of peace and stability following months of political turmoil, rampant criminality and the collapse of infrastructure and security.
Speaking before the recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer after Holy Mass in Venice on Sunday, the Pope thanked the Patriarch of Venice and all those who worked to make his half-day visit to the lagoon city possible and invoked the intercession of the Virgin Mary for the many situations of suffering in the world.
Prayers for Haiti
“I am thinking of Haiti, where a state of emergency is in force and the population is desperate because of the collapse of the health system, the shortage of food, and the violence that drives people to flee,” he said.
And noting that just this week a transitional government was sworn in in the Caribbean island nation, the Pope entrusted the work of that Council to the Lord and appealed for the support of the international community.
“We entrust to the Lord the work of the new Transitional Presidential Council that took office last Thursday in Port au Prince, so that with the renewed support of the international community, it may lead the country to achieve the peace and stability it so badly needs,” he said.
Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Myanmar
And as he always does, the Holy Father turned his thoughts and prayers to other countries and peoples affected by conflict.
“I am thinking of “the tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, the Rohingya and so many peoples suffering from war and violence,” he said.
May the God of peace enlighten hearts so that the will for dialogue and reconciliation may grow in all.
