Pope Leo XIV: I pray that Peru can continue on the path of reconciliation

During the Angelus this Sunday, Pope Leo

“I am close to the beloved Peruvian people at this moment of political transition,” said the Pontiff after the Marian prayer in reference to the political crisis that the country is going through after the Peruvian Congress dismissed President Dina Boluarte on Friday after a removal process.

“I pray that Peru can continue on the path of reconciliation, dialogue and national unity,” he added.

The Holy Father also referred to recent advances in the peace process in the Holy Land that has put an end to the Gaza war and through which some of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas will be released.

“In recent days, the agreement to begin the peace process has given a spark of hope in the Holy Land. I encourage the parties involved to courageously continue the path towards a just, lasting peace that is respectful of the legitimate aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian people,” said the Pontiff.

The Pope recalled that the two years of conflict have left death and debris throughout the region, especially “in the hearts of those who have brutally lost their children, parents, friends, everything.”

“With the entire Church I am close to your immense pain. Today, especially, the caress of the Lord is directed to you, the certainty that even in the deepest darkness He always remains with us,” said the Holy Father.

Rediscover that the other is not an enemy but a brother

Likewise, Leo

After celebrating the opening of this stage of peace in Gaza, the Pope also expressed his pain at the continued violence in other regions, citing the recent Russian attacks in Ukraine that have left innocent victims and families without basic services.

“I follow with pain the news of the new and violent attacks that have hit various cities and civil infrastructure in Ukraine, causing the death of innocent people, including children, and leaving many families without electricity or heat,” said the Holy Father.

Furthermore, he highlighted the need not to lose hope and to work for reconciliation and fraternity, remembering that even in the moments of greatest darkness, the closeness of God remains.

In addition, the Pope greeted the groups of pilgrims present, including the lay Agostinians of Italy and the secular order of the Discalced Carmelites, encouraging them to base their spirituality on Holy Scripture and the tradition of the Church. Likewise, he called for the protection of workers in Italy, in memory of the victims of workplace accidents.

Prayer of the Holy Father before the image of the Virgin of Fátima

Before praying the Angelus, the Pope led a prayer in front of the image of the Virgin of Fatima that was placed on the altar in St. Peter’s Square asking for her protection.