Pope calls for remembrance and prayer on Auschwitz liberation anniversary

By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis appealed for remembrance of the Holocaust saying that “in the face of this immense tragedy indifference is not admissible and memory is due.”

‘Never again!’

Speaking to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus Prayer, the Pope recalled that tomorrow, 27 January, marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp, symbol of the Shoah.

“Tomorrow we are all invited to set aside a moment of prayer and recollection, saying in our hearts: never again!” he said.

Sunday of the Word of God

Pope Francis also mentioned that today we celebrate the first 'Sunday of the Word of God', established to better celebrate and receive the gift that God has given, and gives on a daily basis to His people through his Word.

And he thanked all those Dioceses and communities which have promoted initiatives that put the Sacred Scriptures at the center of the life of the Church..

World Leprosy Day

The Pope also recalled that today we mark “World Leprosy Day”, and said that he is close to all those who suffer from Hansen's disease and to those who care for them in different ways.

World Leprosy Day was established to raise awareness about the disease and those affected by it. According to recent World Health Organization reports, the disease is re-emerging as a global health challenge, particularly in countries like India, Brazil and Indonesia.