Pope Francis: Let us not get used to conflict and violence

By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis on Sunday issued “a heartfelt appeal” to warring factions in Sudan to lay down their arms, while calling on the international community “to spare no effort to ensure that dialogue might prevail and the suffering of the population might be alleviated.”

The Pope offered encouragement for the partial agreements that have already been reached, but noted that after a month of violence, the situation remains grave.

“Please, let us not get used to conflict and violence. Let us not get used to war!” the Pope pleaded.

As has become customary, the Pope also added a plea to continue to stand by the “tormented” people of Ukraine.

World Communications Day

In his remarks following the Regina Coeli, Pope Francis also noted the commemoration of World Communications Day, observed each year on the Sunday before Pentecost. “It is the heart that moves us to open and welcoming communication,” the Pope said, referring to this year’s theme, “Speaking with the heart.”

The Holy Father took the opportunity to greet communications workers in the Square, thanking them for their work and expressing hope that it might always be at the service of truth and the common good.

Laudato Sí Week

Pope Francis also noted the beginning of Laudato Sí Week, thanking those charged with preparing events and activities to mark the week. “I invite everyone to work together for the care of our common home,” he said, adding, “There is so much need to bring together expertise and creativity.”

At the same time, he recalled recent natural disasters linked to climate change, including recent flooding in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, and emphasized once again his closeness to the people affected by the rains.

The Pope then made mention of the Laudato Sí booklets prepared by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in collaboration with the Stockholm Environmental Institute, which were distributed to those present on Sunday in St Peter’s Square.

The Holy Father concluded his remarks with greetings for pilgrims and visitors present for the Regina Coeli.