Pope prays for peace ahead of 80th anniversary of World War II outbreak

By Devin Watkins

Sunday, 1 September, marks 80 years since the outbreak of the Second World War.

On that day in 1939, Germany invaded Poland, leading Britain and France to declare war on Adolf Hitler’s Nazi state, two days later.

Pope Francis recalled that tragic day on Wednesday, as well as the commemorations to be held in Warsaw, Wielun, and other Polish cities.

Peace over hatred

“We shall all pray for peace, so that the tragic consequences of hate – which brought only destruction, suffering, and death – may never be repeated,” he said.

The Pope also invited everyone to pray to God, so that “peace may reign in the hearts of all and in families, societies, and amongst peoples.”

Pope Francis’ words came in his remarks to Polish pilgrims present at the General Audience.

Events to mark 80^th anniversary

Numerous heads of state will attend the commemorations in Warsaw, including several EU and NATO member states. US President Donald Trump will also be in attendance.

The German and Polish presidents will mark the outbreak of World War II in Wielun, the first Polish city bombed by Nazi Germany.

Later in the day of 1 September, world leaders will converge on Piłsudski Square, in Warsaw, to mark the 80^th anniversary at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.