Pope Francis is worried by growing tension in Ukraine in light of a possible Russian invasion. That's why, during the Angelus, he called for a day of prayer for peace this Wednesday.
POPE FRANCIS
'Those who pursue their own interests, to the detriment of others, disregard their human vocation, because we were all created as brothers and sisters. For this reason, and with concern, given the current tensions, I propose that next Wednesday, January 26, be a day of prayer for peace.'
He also recalled that on Saturday, four martyrs had been beatified in El Salvador. One was Rutilio Grande, a friend of St. Oscar Romero.
POPE FRANCIS
'They stood by the poor, bearing witness to the Gospel, truth and justice, even to the point of shedding their blood. May their heroic example inspire in everyone the desire to be courageous workers of fraternity and peace. A round of applause for the new blesseds!'
At the end of the Angelus, the Pope insisted upon the importance of reflecting on the Bible. He said that through Scripture, God makes his voice heard and transforms daily life.
The Pope also asked priests to refrain from giving abstract homilies or homilies that seem like conferences. He asked them to base their sermons on the Bible and to keep in mind the needs of the community listening.
JRB
TR: CT
