Pope Francis prays for Afghan refugees, victims of storms in the U.S.

"In these troubled times when Afghans are seeking refuge, I pray for the most vulnerable among them," Pope Francis said at the end of the Angelus on September 5, 2021. He expressed his hope that all Afghans "whether at home, in transit, or in host countries" might "live with dignity, in peace and fraternity with their neighbors."

The Pope made particular reference to migrants outside the country but also to "internally displaced persons" from Afghanistan. He called for them to be given the help and protection they need. He also pleaded for the education of young Afghans, "an essential asset for human development."

The Pope was referring to the general situation in the Central Asian country since the departure of the Western armed forces and the return to power of the Taliban at the end of the summer. Many populations have since fled violence, civil war or political repression by migrating within and outside the country.

Recently, in an interview on Spanish radio, Pope Francis denounced the West's "irresponsible policy" in Afghanistan. A few days earlier, he had also asked Catholics to share the suffering of the Afghans with a day of fasting, penance and prayer.

The Holy Father also prayed for all those who have been affected by the inclement weather in the United States. Pope Francis prayed,"I assure my prayers for the people of the United States of America who have been hit by a strong hurricane in recent days." The Pope concluded, "May the Lord welcome the souls of the dead and support those who are suffering."

Hurricane Ida, coming up from the Caribbean, landed on the North American coast on September 1, 2021. Subsequently the storm moved north and hit the cities of Philadelphia and New York. An intense tropical storm, Hurricane Ida caused the death of about sixty people according to initial estimates, and resulted in property damages estimated by the U.S. government to be at least $50 billion.