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Pope to UAE Sikhs: Faith and service are intimately linked

“Faith and service, as you are aware, are intimately linked.”, said His Holiness Pope Francis

Members of the Sikh Delegation from Guru Nanak Darbar of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates met His Holiness Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican on 11th November 2023.

His Holiness expressed his joy to receive the diverse delegation and to learn about the faith-inspired service they offer the communities in those countries that have become their home and encouraged them to continue their selfless service which leads to God.

Such efforts, the Pope noted, “bear witness to your endeavour to live by faith and to contribute to the good of society,” especially as they seek to integrate themselves but at the same time “remain steadfast to your own specific identity.”

The Pope expressed gratitude for their commitment to building bridges among people, and serving the poor, the needy, and the suffering, noting that, in doing so, they acknowledge the ways their own lives have been blessed and enriched.

Indeed, the true path to God, as your Holy Scripture Guru Granth Sahib – “Sukhmani Sahib”…ang (page) 286 says,” the Pope continued, “lies in the service of our fellow human beings.” The Gospel brings us these words of Jesus: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink, I was stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me” (Mt. 25:35-36). Selfless service rendered in particular to the least in our midst, and to those on the peripheries of society, besides makes us consciously aware of our own littleness and insufficiency, bring us closer to God.  May service, then, always remain your way of life and may you be a blessing to all whom you serve in promoting the spirit of fraternity, equality, justice and peace.

Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai has also been instrumental in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. Through its various initiatives, such as seminars, workshops, and interfaith prayer gatherings, the Gurudwara has facilitated meaningful conversations between different religious communities, promoting respect, harmony, and a shared vision of peaceful coexistence.

Sharing material wealth and largesse is a calling as is service and the cleansing of the soul by engaging in the most menial of tasks which we perform with joy in our hearts even when it is penance for a transgression we may have committed. It is with these priorities that the House of Worship – The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara was built in the UAE, mentions Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara Dubai.

The challenges we face in the world today are manifold. We see wars, conflicts, and violence often occurring in the name of religion, and our environment is suffering due to our unsustainable practices. It is in times like these that the importance of unity, compassion and cooperation among people of all faith becomes even more evident. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we, as individuals and as members of various faith communities, join hands to address the pressing global issues of our time. Together, we can strive for a world where the principles of love, compassion, and shared responsibility for our planet prevail over division and conflict. In the spirit of interfaith dialogue and cooperation, we can make a significant difference in creating a more peaceful and sustainable future for all, quotes Mr. Kandhari.

The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Vatican City sends you cordial greetings on the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, celebrated worldwide this year on 27 November. May all your festive events bring you joy and peace and help enhance the spirit of unity and solidarity in your families and communities.  As believers with shared convictions and concerns for the wellbeing of all and that of the earth, may we Christians and Sikhs, joining hands with everyone who cares for the welfare of humanity, endeavour to do all we can to bring about a positive change in climatic conditions and become responsible and genuine stewards of creation!

We wish you all a Happy Prakash Diwas of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji!

On this auspicious occasion of the birthday anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the entire Sikh community at Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara Dubai. As we celebrate this joyous occasion, let us also remember the importance of unity and harmony. In the spirit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings, let us come together as a community to support one another, regardless of differences, and work towards creating a more compassionate and inclusive society. May we continue to walk the path of righteousness and spread the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to all corners of the world, Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman, Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai.

Pope Meets Sikh Delegation from Dubai- Pope Francis with Dr Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman, Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman, Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai
Pope Francis with Bubbles Kandhari
Pope Meets Sikh Delegation from Dubai
Pope Meets Sikh Delegation from Dubai
Pope Meets Sikh Delegation from Dubai
Pope Meets Sikh Delegation from Dubai
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Pope to Meet Kin of Israeli Hostages and Palestinians

The meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, which according to Holy See are “of an exclusively humanitarian nature” and aim to express Pope Francis’ “spiritual closeness to the suffering of each individual”…reports Asian Lite News

Pope Francis will meet separately with a group of relatives of Israelis held hostage in Gaza and a group of family members of Palestinians suffering from the conflict in Gaza, the Holy See announced.

Matteo Bruni, Vatican spokesman and the Director of the Holy See Press Office said added that the meetings are “of an exclusively humanitarian nature” and aim to express Pope Francis’ “spiritual closeness to the suffering of each individual”.

“As he stated at the end of last Sunday’s Angelus, ‘Every human being, whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, of any people and religion, every human being is sacred, precious in the eyes of God, and has the right to live in peace,” said Bruni.

Last week, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has reiterated its pressing appeal for a just peace in Gaza and for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

In a statement released this week by the WCC Executive Committee as it concluded its annual meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, the ecumenical body expressed deep concern over the growing toll of death, destruction, and trauma inflicted on innocent civilians on both sides.

The statement decried what it described as “the abject failure” of the international community and of political leaders in the region to stop the endless cycle of violence and suffering in the “Holy Land.”

The Committee once again condemned Hamas attacks on Israel, expressing shock and outrage at the killing of innocent civilians, including children, and the use of hostages and civilians as human shields.

It also condemned what it called Israel’s disproportionate retaliation in Gaza, criticising the indiscriminate targeting of civilians, hospitals, churches, and mosques, which so far has caused over 11,000 deaths and injured at least 37,000, most of whom were women and children.

The statement further noted unprecedented levels of violence against civilians, schools, and communities by both settlers and Israeli armed forces in the West Bank and decried the closure of access to Palestinian villages.

The WCC governing body highlighted the potential inter-generational consequences of the trauma experienced by children in both Palestine and Israel.

It, therefore, appealed “for respect by all parties for the God-given life and dignity of every human being” as well as for the principles of international humanitarian law, demanding “the immediate unconditional release and safe return of all hostages” along with “an immediate ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors.”

The committee also expressed “grave concern” over “the proliferation of hateful acts and expressions of antisemitism and of hatred of Arabs and Muslims in the region and the wider world” as a consequence of the conflict.

The WCC reiterated its pressing call on the international community to re-engage in active support for a sustainable and just peace in the region, founded on recognition and respect for the human dignity and equal human rights of all people, regardless of their background.

It concluded by inviting member Churches and all people of good will to pray and work together for peace in the region.

ALSO READ: NZ Gives Further Humanitarian Support Amid Gaza War

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Pope Francis Commits 3 Days to COP28

The head of the Catholic Church revealed he would be in Dubai from December 1st to 3rd, focusing on the global challenge of climate change….reports Asian Lite News

Pope Francis confirmed plans to visit Dubai for the COP28 climate conference, expressing ongoing concerns about environmental issues. In an interview with Italian television network RAI, the pontiff revealed he would be in Dubai from December 1st to 3rd, focusing on the global challenge of climate change.

The Pope, known for his advocacy on environmental care, mentioned no specific agenda for the trip but is likely to address the conference, emphasising the impact of environmental damage, particularly on vulnerable communities.

Scheduled right before his 87th birthday, Francis, when asked about his health, humorously reiterated his standard response, “Still alive, you know,” following recent abdominal surgery.

Last month, Pope Francis received the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Mohamed Abdel Salam, in Rome to learn about the ongoing preparations for the Faith Pavilion at COP28, to be organised by the Council in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency and the UN Environment Programme during 2023 UN Climate Change Conference.

The pavilion aims to be a global platform for dialogue between leaders of different religions and their icons, and to involve them in efforts to address climate change.

In the same context, the Secretary-General met with Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Secretary of State of Vatican City, and Cardinal Miguel Ayuso Guixot, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See

The meeting discussed the latest developments regarding the global summit for faith leaders, the Confluence of Conscience, which will take place on November 6-7 in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the COP28 Presidency. The importance of the message that will come out of the summit to COP28 was also discussed.

Net-Zero Transition Charter

 The COP28 Presidency has launched a charter to mobilise and encourage the private sector to take bolder action on climate and commit to greater credibility and accountability in their net-zero emissions pledges.

The ‘Net-Zero Transition Charter: Accountability mobilisation for the private sector’ launch comes just weeks ahead of the COP28 conference, to be held in Dubai between 30th November and 12th December. The Charter follows a technical report from the Global Stocktake on 8th September, which showed that the world is off-track to keeping the goals of the Paris Agreement alive.

The Charter recognises the important role the private sector must play in combatting climate change. The private sector accounts for approximately 80 percent of the global GDP, as well as the bulk of the world’s energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President, said, “The private sector’s engagement in COP28 – their resources, expertise, and commitment – is vital in driving real-world action and achieving the ambitious climate goals set forth by the Presidency. For every pillar of our Action Agenda – fast-track the energy transition, fix climate finance, focus on nature, lives, and livelihoods, and full inclusivity – companies can leverage their strengths and resources to advance our collective climate goals and provide us with required solutions.

“The Net-Zero Transition Charter will further enable the private sector to take meaningful action on climate, track progress and be held accountable. We have strong collaboration with the private sector already in the consultation and development of many of the outcomes of the action agenda – and I encourage all eligible private sector organisations to make this commitment and sign the Charter today.”

The COP28 Presidency has called for a collaborative approach to reduce emissions by 43 percent in the next seven years, with all sorts of capital – public, private and philanthropic sources necessary to help solve the emissions gap more effectively.

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Pope Francis briefed on Faith Pavilion at COP28

The pavilion aims to be a global platform for dialogue between leaders of different religions and their icons, and to involve them in efforts to address climate change….reports Asian Lite News

Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, received the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Mohamed Abdel Salam, in Rome today to learn about the ongoing preparations for the Faith Pavilion at COP28, to be organised by the Council in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency and the UN Environment Programme during 2023 UN Climate Change Conference.

The pavilion aims to be a global platform for dialogue between leaders of different religions and their icons, and to involve them in efforts to address climate change.

In the same context, the Secretary-General met with Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Secretary of State of Vatican City, and Cardinal Miguel Ayuso Guixot
President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See

The meeting discussed the latest developments regarding the global summit for faith leaders, the Confluence of Conscience, which will take place on November 6-7 in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the COP28 Presidency. The importance of the message that will come out of the summit to COP28 was also discussed.

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Pope Francis Welcomes COP28 Chief in Vatican

COP28 Presidency partners with Vatican, UN, and faith groups for inclusive climate dialogue….reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President-designate, met with His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, to discuss the crucial role of faith leaders in advancing the climate agenda at COP28.

COP28 Presidency has collaborated with the Vatican, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the United Nations Environment Programme to ensure inclusivity in the COP process by integrating faith organisations into climate discussions.

Inclusivity is a core pillar of the COP28 Presidency, and it aims to provide a platform where all voices are heard, including faith organisations, especially those focused on assisting vulnerable communities affected by loss and damage.

To further the role of faith communities in the COP process, the COP28 Presidency has designed a series of inter-faith initiatives in the run up to and during the conference.

One of the key initiatives will be a global summit for faith leaders, the Confluence of Conscience, which will take place on November 6-7 in Abu Dhabi.

It will unite hundreds of religious leaders, academics, and scientists to collectively address the findings of the Global Stocktake (GST) and sign a declaration to progress climate action at COP28.

The gathering will discuss the ethical responsibilities of faith leaders in addressing the climate crisis and will call for increased ambition at COP28 and beyond.

The summit will also involve an assessment of actions taken by religious leaders from Paris to COP28, focusing on specific areas to address the gaps highlighted in the COP28 Presidency’s Action Agenda, aiming to restore hope in the field of climate action.

Additionally, the COP28 Presidency will also co-host the Faith Pavilion at COP28, marking the first-ever pavilion of its kind at a COP event.

The Faith Pavilion will host panels with religious leaders, scientists, and political leaders, as well as encourage intergenerational dialogue involving young faith leaders and indigenous representatives.

COP28 presents an opportunity to fast-track the energy transition by building the energy system of the future, while rapidly decarbonizing the energy system of today to keep 1.5°C within reach. It also needs to be just, equitable and responsible that ensures universal energy access. The world must triple its renewable energy capacity and achieve near-zero methane emissions by 2030.

During their meeting in Rome, Dr. Al Jaber and Pope Francis discussed the importance of the Global Stocktake and the need for a detailed action plan to provide a robust and comprehensive response to the findings within the key pillars of the Paris Agreement.

“I have been calling for unity in this year of uncertainty and urgency due to the Global Stocktake report. I want, and the world needs, everyone to play their part in addressing the current situation we live in. I believe that we can combine our efforts and take action to emphasize to the world the last opportunity we have at COP28 to raise ambition, course correct, and restore the hope that current and future generations need to see,” he said.

The leaders also discussed aligning the Vatican’s encyclical letter, Laudate Deum, with the COP28 Interfaith Declaration, set to be signed after the global faith leaders’ summit.

Dr. Al Jaber expressed gratitude to the Vatican for its climate action advocacy and extended an invitation to Pope Francis to join the World Climate Action Summit at COP28.

“I want to thank the Vatican, under your Papacy, for its work in advocating for a higher ambition on climate action and social justice. Your update of the 2015 ‘Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home’ to bring it up to date is truly inspiring. We aim to ensure that COP28 amplifies the call to action from religious leaders, and we plan to do this through the global faith leaders’ summit in Abu Dhabi,” Dr. Al Jaber said.

“Without a doubt, your intervention and advocacy for action will inspire millions and will help us raise the ambition at COP28 that we urgently need to course correct. Also, I would like to ask you to send a representative of the Vatican to the global faith leaders’ summit in Abu Dhabi.”

The diverse faith and interfaith activities, along with religious organisations, will support the call for a fair and ambitious climate agreement at COP28 and support those working towards it.

COP28 Presidency is working to find real world solutions that close the gaps to 2030 and responding to the first Global Stocktake.

To achieve this, the Presidency’s Action Agenda focuses on an ambitious mitigation work program, finalizing the global goal on adaptation, establishing a fund for loss and damage, and reaching an equitable approach to means of implementation.

The four key areas of the Presidency are: fast tracking a just, orderly, and well-managed energy transition, fixing climate finance, focusing on people, lives and livelihoods, and underscoring everything with full inclusivity.

The COP28 Presidency has called on contributing countries to deliver the $100 billion pledge this year. Countries are also urged to double adaptation finance by 2025 and replenish the Green Climate Fund.

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Pope Francis warns of irreversible climate change

Months later, there was a breakthrough in UN climate talks in Paris, with nearly every nation on Earth committing to limit warming to “well below” two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels…reports Asian Lite News

Pope Francis warned Wednesday the world “is collapsing” due to global warming, urging participants of the upcoming COP28 climate talks to agree to binding policies on phasing out fossil fuels. Eight years after his landmark thesis outlined the devastation of manmade climate change, the 86-year-old pontiff published a follow-up that warned that some damage was “already irreversible”.

“With the passage of time, I have realised that our responses have not been adequate, while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point,” he wrote in the 12-page letter.

But he said the next round of UN climate talks opening in Dubai on November 30 “can represent a change of direction”, if participants make binding agreements on moving from fossil fuels to clean energy sources such as wind and solar.

Only a real commitment to change “can enable international politics to recover its credibility”, wrote the pope.

His 200-page encyclical in 2015, entitled “Laudato Si” (“Praise Be To You”), was a global call to arms to protect the Earth and sparked debate unprecedented for a religious text, including commentaries in scientific journals.

Months later, there was a breakthrough in UN climate talks in Paris, with nearly every nation on Earth committing to limit warming to “well below” two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

But the UN warned last month the world is not on track to meet these goals, while climate monitors predict 2023 will be the hottest in human history, with the Northern Hemisphere’s summer marked by heatwaves, droughts and wildfires.

In Wednesday’s document, entitled “Laudate Deum” (Praise God), Pope Francis expressed hope that the forthcoming COP28 “will allow for a decisive acceleration of energy transition, with effective commitments subject to ongoing monitoring”.

He referenced concerns about the UN talks being held in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, noting that while it was a “great exporter of fossil fuels” it also made “significant investments” in renewable energy sources.

“To say that there is nothing to hope for would be suicidal, for it would mean exposing all humanity, especially the poorest, to the worst impacts of climate change,” wrote Pope Francis.

The 2015 text stated clearly that humanity was to blame for global warming — a message the pope said he felt required to repeat due to the power of climate scepticism.

On Wednesday, he described “certain dismissive and scarcely reasonable opinions that I encounter, even within the Catholic Church”.

“Despite all attempts to deny, conceal, gloss over or relativise the issue, the signs of climate change are here and increasingly evident,” he wrote.

Climate change has been a major theme of Pope Francis’ ten years as head of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, and he has drawn on science but also offered a strong moral message.

In his 2015 text, the pope blamed a pursuit of economic growth for the destruction of the planet and warned rich countries must lead the way in repairing the damage.

In Wednesday’s text, he said that “regrettably, the climate crisis is not exactly a matter that interests the great economic powers, whose concern is with the greatest profit”.

ALSO READ-Pope Francis renews call for violence to stop in Sudan

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Pope Francis leaves hospital

Pope Francis, who as a young man suffered from severe pneumonia and had part of a lung removed has had a history of health issues…reports Asian Lite News

Pope Francis, on Saturday morning, was released from the Gemelli Hospital after being treated for bronchitis, according to the Vatican news.

In a statement, released on Saturday morning, Holy See Press Office noted that, before his departure, the Holy Father greeted the leadership of the hospital, including Franco Anelli, the Rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart; Marco Elefanti, the General Director of the Policlinic; and the General Ecclesiastical Assistant for the hospital, Bishop Claudio Giuliodori, as well as the medical team and healthcare workers who assisted him during his convalescence.

The Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic, the largest hospital in Rome, is the teaching hospital for the Catholic University’s medical school. The hospital is named for Franciscan Friar Agostino Gemelli, a physician and psychologist, who was also the founder and first rector of the University.

As he left the hospital, Pope Francis stopped his car briefly to greet those present, pausing for a moment to embrace and pray with a couple who had lost their daughter during the night.

Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli hospital in Rome on Wednesday after he complained of breathing problems. After the clinical check-up and tests, the doctors said that Pope Francis had bronchitis and were administering antibiotic therapy to treat him.

In a statement, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said, “Based on the predictable outcome, the Holy Father could be released in the next few days.”

After his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday, Pope Francis was taken to the hospital to undergo a number of tests. The Vatican in a statement said that the visit and tests were planned.

Shortly after, Matteo Bruni said that the pontiff’s schedule for Thursday had been cleared “to make space for the continuation of tests should that be necessary,” as per the news report.

Later, Matteo Bruni in a statement said, “In recent days Pope Francis complained of some respiratory difficulties and this afternoon he went to Policlinico A. Gemelli for some medical checks.”

He further added, “The outcome of the same showed a respiratory infection (excluding Covid-19 infection) that will require a few days of appropriate hospital medical therapy. Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.”

Pope Francis, who as a young man suffered from severe pneumonia and had part of a lung removed has had a history of health issues, as per the CNN report. He was often seen using a walking stick and sometimes using a wheelchair due to pain in his right knee. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Pope Francis admitted to hospital with respiratory infection

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Pope Francis plans to visit India next year

Pope Francis outlined his upcoming travel schedule during his flight back to Rome from South Sudan..reports Asian Lite News

Pope Francis, on Sunday, said that he is planning to visit India next year and is also expected to take a trip to Mongolia later in 2023, as per Vatican News.

Pope Francis outlined his upcoming travel schedule during his flight back to Rome from South Sudan. While addressing the presser, the Pope said, “I think India will be next, next year. On 29 September I will go to Marseilles, and there is the possibility that I will fly to Mongolia from Marseilles, but it has not yet been decided. It’s possible. I don’t recall another one this year. Lisbon.”

Founded by Pope Francis, Vatican News is a Catholic news website to provide multimedia pertaining to the global Catholic Church and the operations of the Holy See.

While answering a query about whether he is expanding the circle of his trip, the supreme pontiff of the Roman catholic church said, “I chose to visit the smallest countries in Europe. People will say, ‘But he went to France,’ no, I went to Strasbourg; I will go to Marseilles, not to France. The little ones, the little ones. [The criterion is] to get to know a little about hidden Europe, that part of Europe with so much culture but is not known. Accompany countries, for example, Albania, which was the first one, and is the country that suffered the cruellest, the cruellest dictatorship in history. Then, my choice is this: try not to fall into the globalization of indifference,” Vatican News reported.

On Friday, Pope Francis reached South Sudan, fulfilling a long-time wish to visit the war-ravaged country, currently in the midst of a major humanitarian emergency, reported CNN.

In the first, the Pope is undertaking the trip together with the head of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt. Rev. Iain Greenshields, represents the three Christian churches that make up the majority of the population in South Sudan.

In April 2019, the Pope held a spiritual retreat at the Vatican for political and religious leaders in South Sudan, and in an unprecedented gesture he knelt down and kissed the feet of President Kir and Vice-President Machar, reported CNN. (ANI)

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“How much blood must still flow?”: Pope calls for end to Ukraine war

Pope Francis

Pope expressed “great concern” and said that the course of the war in Ukraine has become “so serious, devastating and threatening.”…reports Asian Lite News

Taking a dim view of the “grave” situation that has arisen in recent days, Pope Francis made an appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war and also to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “to be open to serious proposals” for peace, reported Vatican News citing a working translation of the pontiff’s address in Italian.

“My appeal is addressed first and foremost to the President of the Russian Federation, imploring him to stop this spiral of violence and death, also for the sake of his own people. On the other hand, saddened at the immense suffering of the Ukrainian people as a result of the aggression they have suffered, I address an equally confident appeal to the President of Ukraine to be open to serious proposals for peace,” he said.

The speech was given by Pope Francis before leading the recitation of Sunday’s midday Angelus prayer in Saint Peter’s Square. He expressed “great concern” and said that the course of the war in Ukraine has become “so serious, devastating and threatening.”

Calling for an immediate ceasefire, Pope said it will be so if conditions for negotiations are “based on respect for the sacrosanct value of human life, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country”, and the rights of minorities and legitimate concerns.

“I deeply deplore the grave situation that has arisen in recent days, with further actions contrary to the principles of international law. It increases the risk of nuclear escalation, giving rise to fears of uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences worldwide.”

As it prolongs, Pope termed the war a “terrible and inconceivable wound to humanity”, and said that instead of healing the war continues to shed “even more blood, risking to spread” further. “I am saddened by the rivers of blood and tears spilled in these months. I am saddened by the thousands of victims, especially children, and the destruction which has left many people and families homeless and threatened vast territories with cold and hunger.”

“Certain actions can never be justified, never!” Pope said.

Several Ukrainian regions have been in the headlines over alleged mass graves or due to the imminent risk to the nuclear plants. Taking note of the past such developments, Pope distressingly told the gathering that “it is disturbing that the world is learning the geography of Ukraine through names such as Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol, Izium, Zaparizhzhia and other areas, which have become places of indescribable suffering and fear.”

Pope Francis described the war “absurd” and questioned, “What is to happen next? How much blood must still flow for us to realize that war is never a solution, only destruction?”

“In the name of God and in the name of the sense of humanity that dwells in every heart, I renew my call for an immediate ceasefire. Let there be a halt to arms, and let us seek the conditions for negotiations that will lead to solutions that are not imposed by force, but consensual, just and stable.”

The pontiff urged all the protagonists of international life and the political leaders of nations to do everything possible to bring an end to the war, without allowing themselves to be drawn into dangerous escalations, and to promote and support initiatives for dialogue.

“Please let the younger generations breathe the holy air of peace, not the polluted air of war, which is madness! After seven months of hostilities, let us use all diplomatic means, even those that may not have been used so far, to bring an end to this terrible tragedy. War in itself is an error and a horror!” (ANI)

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Vatican envoy suggests papal visit may be imminent

The Ambassador, on the other hand, reported that Francis had underlined his closeness to the Ukrainian people and expressed the willingness to show this in a visit…reports Asian Lite News

The Ukrainian ambassador to the Vatican suggested that Pope Francis might soon visit the war-torn country.

Ukraine has been waiting for the head of the Catholic Church since Russian launched its ongoing war on February 24, Andrii Yurash said in a tweet following an audience with the Pope, adding they would be happy to “welcome him before his trip to Kazakhstan”.

The Pope is planning a three-day trip to Kazakhstan on September 13.

The Vatican did not make public any details of the conversation with Yurash, but only confirmed the meeting on Saturday.

The Ambassador, on the other hand, reported that Francis had underlined his closeness to the Ukrainian people and expressed the willingness to show this in a visit.

Since the war began, Pope Francis has said several times that he would like to visit Ukraine to promote peace.

However, he has been plagued by a knee injury for some time that has often forced him to use a wheelchair, so it seems unlikely he would make a long train journey to Kiev, for example.

Flights are still impossible to the capital of Ukraine.

On returning from a recent trip to Canada, the Pope said while he still wanted to travel, trips might have to be planned on a slightly smaller scale in the future.

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