Pope Francis prays for an end to threat of nuclear warfare

By Vatican News staff writer

At the conclusion of the Eucharistic Celebration for the canonization of Bishop Giovanni Battista Scalabrini and Artemide Zatti, Pope Francis recalled the beginning of the Second Vatican Council 60 years ago. He stressed that "we should not forget the danger of nuclear war that menaced the world right at that time".

"Why don’t we learn from history"? asked the Pope, noting that "even at that moment, there were conflicts and huge tensions, but the way of peace was chosen". 

Prayers for Thailand

Pope Francis then turned his thoughts to Thailand, where three days ago, "a mad act of violence took place".

37 people, most of whom children, were killed in an attack on a nursery in Uthai Sawan Child Development Centre in northeastern Thailand in a gun and knife attack. "With deep emotion, I entrust their lives to the Father, especially the little children and their families", said the Pope.

Maria Costanza Panas

The Holy Father also asked the faithful gathered for the canonization to turn their thoughts to Fabriano, where  Maria Costanza Panas, a Capuchin Poor Clare nun, will be beatified. "May Blessed Maria Costanza help us to always be trustful in God and welcoming toward our neighbour", he added.

And now, concluded the Pope, "let us turn to the Virgin Mary that she might help us be witnesses of the Gospel, enlivened by the example of the Saints".