God wants peace. The Pope prays for “the tormented Ukraine” for Congo, but also for the victims of the accident in Peru. But, above all, on the day of the Jubilee of the Poor “he delivers the Dilexit te exhortation that Pope Francis was preparing” and which Leone concluded in which the entire Christian community is invited to take care of the most vulnerable. He thanks those who have promoted solidarity initiatives and also prays for the victims of road accidents, pushing for a culture of prevention that protects against these deaths. Previously, in explaining the Gospel he had reflected «on the troubles of history and the end of things. Since he knows our heart, Jesus, looking at these events, invites us first of all not to let ourselves be overcome by fear: “When you hear of wars and revolutions – he says – do not be terrified”. His appeal is very timely: unfortunately, in fact, we receive daily news of conflicts, calamities and persecutions that torment millions of men and women. Both in the face of these afflictions and in the face of the indifference that wants to ignore them, the words of Jesus announce that the aggression of evil cannot destroy the hope of those who trust in Him. The darker the hour is like the night, the more faith shines like the sun.”
He talks about the persecutions that even today, because of the name of Jesus, Christians suffer in many parts of the world. A «persecution that does not happen only with weapons and mistreatment, but also with words, that is, through lies and ideological manipulation. Especially when we are oppressed by these evils, physical and moral, we are called to bear witness to the truth that saves the world, to the justice that redeems peoples from oppression, to the hope that shows the path to peace for all.”
Again, the Pontiff insists, “in their prophetic style, the words of Jesus attest that the disasters and sorrows of history have an end, while the joy of those who recognize the Savior in Him is destined to last forever.”
Leone recalls that «throughout the history of the Church, it is above all the martyrs who remind us that God’s grace is capable of transfiguring even violence into a sign of redemption. Therefore, uniting with our brothers and sisters who suffer for the name of Jesus, we confidently seek the intercession of Mary, help of Christians. In every trial and difficulty, may the Holy Virgin console us and support us.”
Then, after receiving numerous applause, he heads towards the Paul VI hall where 1,200 poor people waited for him for lunch.
