Ten thousand people accompanied the pope during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square. Pope Francis, in a serious and moved tone, once again remembered the victims of the latest terrorist attacks that have struck several countries.
POPE FRANCIS
'In our hearts we bear the pain of the terrorist acts that in recent days have caused many victims in Burkina Faso, Spain and Finland. Let us pray for all the dead, for the wounded and for their families and implore the Lord, the God of mercy and peace, to free the world from this inhuman violence.'
The pope then invited the pilgrims to join him in praying a Hail Mary for all the people who have been murdered.
Pope Francis has been very vocal during these latest attacks. On his Twitter account, Pontifex, he published this message in nine languages after the attacks in Barcelona: 'I pray for all the victims of the attacks of these days. May the blind violence of terrorism no longer find room to exist in this world!'
During the Angelus prayer, the pope reflected on the Gospel passage in which the Canaanite woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter. Pope Francis explained that God comes to the aid of the people who invoke Him when in need. He said God never leaves anyone, although His presence is not always noticed.
POPE FRANCIS
'The Lord does not turn away from our needs and, if at times, He seems insensitive to our requests for help, it is to test and strengthen our faith. We must continue to shout like this woman: 'Lord, help me! Lord, help me!' Like this, with perseverance and courage. This is the courage that we need in prayer.'
Finally, the pope asked Christians to work to increase their faith and strengthen their trust in Jesus, who always allows people to find their way back to Him, even when they lose their compass.
