Pope calls for renewed commitment to pray and work for peace

By Thaddeus Jones

At the conclusion of Sunday's Mass in Trieste, Pope Francis asked everyone to renew their commitment to pray and work for world peace.

The Pope's words came just before leading the recitation of the Angelus prayer during his Sunday visit to the northeastern Italian city.

Pope Francis also thanked his hosts and all those gathered for the Sunday celebrations for their warm welcome, beautiful events, and prayerful accompaniment.

He assured them of his prayers, recalling the many sick, imprisoned and migrants he had met earlier, recalling their struggles and hopes.

The Pope paid tribute to Bishop Enrico Trevisi of Trieste, who mentioned by name the sick he has assisted most recently and how remembering and knowing the names of those whom we serve underscores their human dignity.

The Pope thanked the people of Trieste for the welcome they have given to so many people fleeing from wars and poverty in other countries.

He said the city has a special vocation in bringing diverse people together, especially since it is a main port and crossroads between Italy, central Europe and the Balkans.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by this role that require openness, stability, acceptance, and respect for people's identities.

But he encouraged everyone to persevere in this path in light of the Gospel that gives meaning and hope to believers, and in respect of the nation's Constitution, which offers a "reliable 'compass' for the path of democracy."