Pope: ‘Let us ask for the gift of peace and build harmony’

(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - ‘Let us persistently ask for the gift of peace and sincerely commit ourselves to building harmony amongst peoples.’ This was the appeal made by Pope Leo XIV during the Angelus. The Pontiff devoted his reflection to the Gospel parable of the vineyard. On the day marking the eighth centenary of the death of St Francis, the Pope remembered the Saint of Assisi as “a labourer who worked with great fruitfulness in the Lord’s vineyard”.

Francis, he explained, built his life upon the foundation of Christ, in poverty, joy and charity towards all. ‘Dear friends,’ said the Pope, ‘the charism of St Francis continues to bear fruit even today, eight centuries on: this is borne out not only by the great and vibrant Franciscan family, but also by the many gifts that his spiritual legacy bestows upon the People of God. As we therefore celebrate the Franciscan Jubilee Year, let us persistently ask for the gift of peace and sincerely commit ourselves to fostering harmony amongst peoples.”

Mas