Pope Francis: Peace is possible, never resign yourselves to war!

Pope Francis renews his call for peace as he calls for prayers for people suffering in Myanmar, Ukraine, Palestine and Israel, and he highlights the fact that the only ones who gain from war are the manufacturers of weapons.

By Linda Bordoni

“Peace is possible. It takes goodwill,” said Pope Francis on Sunday and he implored men and women of goodwill never to resign themselves to war.

“Peace is possible. Let us not resign ourselves to war.”

Reiterating his belief, already voiced on many occasions, and repeating the word "always" three times, the Holy Father cried: “War always, always, always is a defeat,” and he noted the only ones who gain from conflict are those who manufacture weapons.

“War always, always, always is a defeat. Only the weapons manufacturers gain.”

The Pope’s urgent appeal came as he addressed the faithful after the recitation of the Angelus Prayer in St. Peter’s Square.

Pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Angelus

Myanmar

Shining the spotlight on Myanmar where an escalation of hostilities between the country’s military junta and ethnic minority armed group, the Arakan Army, have spread to various townships where civilians have been caught in the crossfire, the Pope said “I renew my closeness to the dear people of Myanmar who unfortunately continue to suffer from violence and suppression. I pray that they will not be discouraged and always trust in the Lord's help.”

“I renew my closeness to the dear people of Myanmar who unfortunately continue to suffer from violence and suppression.”

Ukraine, Palestine, Israel

Never neglecting to remember those suffering from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and in the war between Israel and Hamas, the Pope asked for prayers “for the tormented Ukraine and for the people of Palestine and Israel.