Pope: I wish for truce for peace at Milan Cortina Games
Ahead of the Winter Olympics, the Pope calls for concrete gestures of détente and remembers the victims of wars and disasters in a universal appeal for solidarity.
"Next Friday will see the start of the Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, which will be followed by the Paralympic Games. I wish the organisers and all the athletes well. These great sporting events are a strong message of brotherhood and revive hope for a world at peace. This is the meaning of the Olympic Truce, an ancient custom that accompanies the Games. I hope that those who cherish peace among peoples and are placed in authority will be able to make concrete gestures of détente and dialogue on this occasion". This was said by Pope Leo XIV at the end of the Angelus in St Peter's Square.
No more civilian victims, end intolerable injustice
"Today in Italy is the National Day for Civilian Victims of Wars and Conflicts around the World, this initiative is unfortunately tragically topical. Every day there are civilian victims of armed actions that openly violate morality and law. The dead and wounded of yesterday and today will be truly honoured when this intolerable injustice is brought to an end'. Pope Leo XIV said this at the end of the Angelus in St. Peter's Square.
Concerned about US-Cuba tensions, sparing people suffering
"I have received with great concern the news about an increase in tensions between Cuba and the United States of America, two neighbouring countries. I unite myself to the message of the Cuban bishops inviting all those responsible to promote a sincere and effective dialogue to avoid violence and any action that could increase the suffering of the dear Cuban people, may the Virgin of Charity of Cobre assist and protect all the children of that beloved land". So said Pope Leo at the Angelus from the studio window in St Peter's Square.
Pray for storm victims in southern Italy
"Let us pray for the dead and for all those who are suffering because of the storms that have hit Portugal and southern Italy in recent days, and let us not forget the people of Mozambique who have been sorely tried by the floods". The Pope said this at the end of the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square. Leo also assured prayers "for the many victims of the landslide in a mine in North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. May the Lord sustain that people who are suffering so much".
