From the entrance of the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, where he is spending a period of summer rest – interrupted only by sporadic public commitments and the usual Sunday appointment with the faithful -, the Pope returned to lead the recitation of the Marian prayer of the Angelus. At the end of the latter, the Pontiff wanted to address a heartfelt thought to the numerous and bloody conflicts that continue to plague various areas of the planet.
In front of an international audience of faithful, Pope Leo XIV issued a strong warning against indifference, calling Christianity to action and reflection:
«We continue to follow with apprehension what is happening in various countries torn by war and violence. Let us not forget those who suffer and die as a result of conflicts and we also add our constant prayer to our generous commitment to peace.”
The papal appeal comes on a day of very serious military escalation on multiple fronts. On the Eastern European side, the Ukrainian capital Kyiv was the target of a massive nighttime missile attack launched by Russian forces. while the Ukrainian military responded by claiming execution of military operations against targeted Russian targets in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
At the same time, tensions have risen to critical levels in the Middle East. In the last few hours there have been new bombings by the United States in southern Iran, to which Tehran has responded with the coordinated use of missiles and drones directed against US military installations located in Kuwait.
After severe warnings about global crises, the moment of prayer ended with Pope Leo XIV renewing his greeting and expressing his sincere gratitude to all the inhabitants of Castel Gandolfo for their hospitality and receiving their affection. Subsequently, looking at the packed square, he expressed profound joy in welcoming the pilgrims «…who come from all over the world!»
The Pontiff then wanted to mention and individually greet the various ecclesial groups present: the Cenacolo Community of Mother Elvira, gathered in Saluzzo for the usual Feast of Life; the Focolare New Families Movement, gathered for the activities of the International School; the students of Mexican origin involved in the APRA Summer School and the delegation of the Catholic Worldview Fellowship. Then speaking in English, the Holy Father greeted the young adults of Regnum Christi, attending an international course for formators, and the group of Australian nationals who had arrived for “The Lion Pilgrimage”, led by the auxiliary bishop of Sydney, Monsignor Anthony Percy. Finally, an affectionate thought was dedicated to the families and children assisted by the work of the Sisters of Charity of the Assumption of Rome, to the children coming from the parish of San Salvatore in Gerusalemme, to the very young group of the Padua parish of Sant’Agostino di Bovolenta and, lastly, to the pilgrims who came from the Liturgical Academy of Rzeszów.
Having concluded the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV left the Apostolic Palace and joined the faithful in Piazza della Libertà, traveling slowly along it aboard a small electric carallowing hundreds of faithful to greet him and receive his blessing.
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