Pope Francis spoke at length about the situation in Afghanistan after praying the Sunday Angelus. He prayed especially for those killed in a suicide bombing outside of the Kabul airport which killed over 170 people.
POPE FRANCIS
'I share in the suffering of those who are grieving for the persons who lost their lives in the suicide attacks that happened last Thursday, and of those who are seeking help and protection.'
The Pope says that Christians everywhere must do their part in praying for a resolution to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
POPE FRANCIS
'As Christians this situation obligates us. For this reason I am calling on everyone, to intensify your prayer and practice fasting. Prayer and fasting, prayer and penance. Now is the time to do so.'
Pope Francis is also praying for the victims of severe floods and landslides in western Venezuela, which have killed at least 20 people.
POPE FRANCIS
'I am close to the population of the Venezuelan state of Mérida, hit in recent days by flooding and landslides. I pray for the deceased and their family members and for those who are suffering due to this catastrophe.'
The Pope then greeted the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square,including members of the Laudato si' movement, a climate advocacy group inspired by the Pope's encyclical on the environment.
JM
