The general audience on Wednesday was a bit more familiar this time for Pope Leo XIV. Look who he ran into during his ride in the popemobile…
It was a group of Peruvians from Chiclayo, a diocese where the then-Bishop Prevost served as bishop for eight years. He stopped to greet them, blessed them, and received a letter.
And after his weekly catechesis, he reviewed current international events. He began with Syria. The day before, he had already sent a telegram in response to the terrorist attack at an Orthodox church in Damascus.
Pope Leo once again expressed his sorrow for the victims—about 25 in total—and the dozens who were injured. He also sent a message to Christians in the Middle East and to global institutions.
POPE LEO XIV
To the Christians of the Middle East I say: ‘I am close to you; the whole Church is close to you.’ This tragic event reminds us of the deep fragility that still marks Syria after years of conflict and instability. That is why it is crucial that the international community does not look the other way, but continues to offer its support through acts of solidarity.
Pope Leo XIV again recalled the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, and as usual, he once more called for an end to the war.
POPE LEO XIV
We follow the developments in Iran, Israel, and Palestine closely and with hope. The words of the prophet Isaiah ring out more urgently than ever: ‘Nation shall not lift up sword against nation. They shall not learn war anymore.’ May this voice be heard.
At the end of the audience, he greeted many bishops. The prelates were in Rome to take part in their Jubilee, along with that of the priests and seminarians.
CA
Trans. CRT
