During World Mission Sunday (Domund) that the Church celebrates this October 19, Pope Leo XIV sent a message of encouragement to missionaries who are a testimony of “hope among peoples.”
“Today we pray especially for those men and women who have left everything to bring the Gospel to those who do not know it,” said the Pontiff during the Angelus prayer.
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“They are missionaries of hope among the people. May the Lord bless them,” said Leo XIV, who was also a missionary bishop in Peru.
The Pope also called for solidarity and peace in Myanmar, which is going through a bloody civil war after the 2021 coup.
“The news we receive from Myanmar is, unfortunately, painful. They report continuous armed clashes and aerial bombardments, also on people and civil infrastructure,” lamented the Pope, who showed his closeness to those who suffer because of violence, insecurity and so many difficulties.
Leo XIV renewed his exhortation to the actors in the conflicts to prioritize dialogue and ceasefires.
“I renew my sincere call for an immediate and effective ceasefire. May the instruments of war give way to those of peace through an inclusive and constructive dialogue.”
The Pontiff entrusted this prayer for peace to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the seven newly canonized saints, asking for peace in the Holy Land, Ukraine and other places at war.
“Let us entrust our continued prayer for peace to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the new saints. May God grant all those responsible wisdom and perseverance to advance in the search for a just and lasting peace,” the Pope concluded.
Victoria Cardiel
Victoria Cardiel is a journalist specialized in social and religious information issues. Since 2013, he has covered all Vatican news for various media, such as the Spanish news agency Europa Press, or the weekly newspaper of the Archdiocese of Madrid, Alfa y Omega.