In this Sunday’s Angelus, Pope Leo XIV recalled that no one should be forced to migrate or exploited because of their status as a foreigner, while expressing his closeness to the victims of the earthquake in the Philippines. The Pontiff denounced the spread of antisemitism following the recent attack in Manchester, expressed his pain for the suffering in Gaza, and urged to intensify the prayer of the Rosary this October to implore the gift of peace in the Middle East.
Dear brothers and sisters:
Before praying the Angelus together, I wish to greet and thank all those who have participated in this Jubilee celebration dedicated to missionaries and migrants. You are good missionaries because you have come even in the rain. Thank you. The whole Church is missionary, a great people that sets out on the path toward the Kingdom of God. This is something that the missionary brothers and sisters and migrants have reminded us of today. But no one should be forced to leave, nor exploited or mistreated because of their need or because of their status as a stranger. Above all, human dignity must be preserved.
I greet all the pilgrims present, in particular those from the Diocese of Pavia, led by their bishop, as well as the faithful, among whom are some young people from Bethlehem, who bring the statue of Our Lady of Revelation.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 30, a strong earthquake struck the central region of the Philippines, particularly the province of Cebu and other nearby islands. I express my closeness to the dear Filipino people, and in particular I pray for those who are feeling the effects of the earthquake most harshly. In every danger, let us remain united and supportive, always trusting in God and in the intercession of his Mother.
I express my concern for the proliferation of antisemitic hatred in the world, as unfortunately seen in the terrorist attack in Manchester, perpetrated just a few days ago. The immense suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza continues to cause me pain.
In these last hours, in the dramatic situation in the Middle East, some significant steps are being taken to advance peace negotiations, which I hope can soon achieve the expected results. I ask all those responsible to commit to continuing on this path, with a ceasefire and the release of the hostages. At the same time, I exhort everyone to remain united in prayer, so that the efforts being made can put an end to the war and lead us toward a just and lasting peace.
We join spiritually with all those who have gathered in the Shrine of Pompeii for the Supplication to Our Lady of the Rosary. In this month of October, contemplating with Mary the mysteries of Christ the Savior, we intensify our prayer for peace: a prayer that becomes concrete solidarity with populations devastated by war. Thanks to the many children around the world who have committed to praying the Rosary for this intention. Thank you from the heart.
Angelus Domini…