Turning his attention to the real threat of nuclear war, Pope Francis recalled the moments in which peace was chosen despite the conflict.
C. Rubini CTC, Vatican News
Pope Francis commemorated the beginning of the Second Vatican Council 60 years ago after the Eucharist which canonized Bishop Giovanni Battista Scalabrini and Artemis Tzatti. “We must not forget the danger of a nuclear war that threatened the world at that moment”, the Pope stressed. “Why don’t we learn from history?” the Pope asked, indicating that “even if at that moment there were great conflicts and pressures, the path of peace was chosen”.
Pray for Thailand.
Later in France, the Pope turned his thoughts to Thailand, where a “mad act of violence” had taken place three days earlier. At least 37 people, mostly children, were killed in a gun and knife attack in a nursery at the Utto Sawan Child Welfare Center in northeastern Thailand. “With deep emotion I entrust their lives to the Father, especially to the little ones and their families,” said the Pope.
Maria Costanza Panas
The Pope also asked the faithful who came to participate in the canonization ceremonies to remember the beatification of the Capuchin nun Maria Costanza Panas in Fabriano, Italy. “Blessed Maria Costanza always help us to believe in God and to welcome our neighbor”, the Pope added. The Pope concluded by asking us to turn to the Virgin Mary to help us be witnesses of the Gospel, animated by the example of the saints.
