Pope Francis appeals for Holy Land & Ukraine

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Decrying the tragic events which have been unfolding in the Holy Land, Pope Francis made an appeal for peace and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians, during his remarks following his Sunday Angelus address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.

The Pope also recalled that today is Sea Sunday, as he expressed his closeness and affection to those who work aboard ships, in the ports and in the maritime industry.  In a special way, the Holy Father offered his gratitude to those who work tirelessly in the Mediterranean to save those forced to flee.

Suffering Ukraine

Pope Francis also appealed for prayers for the Ukrainian people.

"Let us pray for this people that suffers so much," the Pope said, offering Ukrainian girl scouts and university students from Leopoli in St. Peter's Square special greetings.

"I give you all my blessing and I extend it to your dear ones and your people, so severely tried," he said.

The Holy Father also recognized that "despite the heat of July" there were many people gathered in the Square, and greeted Polish pilgrims as he called the massive pilgrimage that takes place today at the Shrine of Jasna Góra, in Częstochowa.

Consistory for the Creation of New Cardinals

At the end of his greetings, the Pope announced there will be a consistory on 30 September 2023, before the start of the October of Synod of Bishops.

The Cardinal-elects hail from around the world. Among them are the Prefects of the Dicasteries for the Doctrine of the Faith, Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez; of the Dicastery for Bishops, Archbishop Robert Francis Prevost; of the Dicastery for Oriental Churches, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti. 

The Holy Father also named as Cardinals, Bishop Stephen Chriw Sau-yan of Hong Kong; the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa; and Apostolic Nunzio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre.

The full text of Pope Francis' remarks at today's Angelus can be found here on the Vatican website.