Pope expresses sadness for children gunned down in war, prays for ceasefire

Vatican News

Pope Francis has expressed his deep concern for all those enduring suffering caused by war and violence. His words came in his greetings to the faithful immediately after the recitation of the Angelus on Sunday, three days before Christmas. The Pope recalled Mozambique, caught between poverty and violence, emphasizing its “attention and concern” and praying that “dialogue and the search for the common good, supported by faith and good will, can prevail over distrust and discord. He denounced “so much cruelty” towards innocent children in other conflict zones.

Children, a gift from God

In a broadcast broadcast from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, from where he led the Angelus prayer due to a cold, the Pope also recalled how, on Sunday morning, he had the joy of spending time with the children, their mothers and those who attend the Santa Marta dispensary in the Vatican. The charitable service is hosted and managed inside the Vatican by the Vincentian Sisters. The Dispensary has a history of 102 years. Pope Francis paid tribute to Sister Antonietta Collacchi, whom he described as the “grandmother” of all those present through her loving service. The Pope described how his heart was filled with joy and emphasized how each child is a gift from God.

Blessing of the ‘Bambinelli’

Finally, the Pope gives his usual blessing to the “Bambinelli”, these children of Christ, brought by the children and their families to St. Peter’s Square for the occasion, and whom they place in their own nativity scene at home. The Pope described it as a “simple but important gesture” and concluded by expressing the hope that everyone remembers their grandparents and “that no one is left alone during these days.”

Group photo of Pope Francis with the children of the Santa Marta dispensary