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"God wants peace among all of his children," Pope Leo said as he appealed for the protection of Christians who are persecuted.
This week around the world, many cities mark "Red Week," with churches and other notable buildings being lit in red as a reminder of the scourge of Christian persecution.
As I said a few moments ago when commenting on the Gospel, even today, in various parts of the world, Christians are subjected to discrimination and persecution. I think in particular of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and other countries, from which we often hear news of attacks on communities and places of worship.
God is a merciful Father and wants peace among all his children!
Other tragedies
The Holy Father then noted particularly a terrorist attack in the west central region of Democratic Republic of Congo and the suffering in Ukraine as winter sets in.
I accompany in prayer the families in Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where in recent days there has been a massacre of civilians, at least 20 victims of a terrorist attack. Let us pray that all violence will cease and that believers will work together for the common good.
Vatican News reported what happened:
Around 20 people are believed killed in a terrorist attack at a hospital run by religious sisters in the North Kivu village of Byambwe, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with missionaries denouncing the 'shameful silence' of the international community.
At around 10:00 PM local time on Friday, militants from the ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) — aligned with the so-called Islamic State since 2009 — entered the town of Byambwe, in the Diocese of Butembo-Beni.
They attacked a diocesan health center run by the Sisters of the Presentation, massacred patients, and then set the entire facility ablaze, killing several women in the maternity ward. Assailants then rampaged through the village before fleeing into the nearby forest.
And regarding Ukraine, the Pope said:
I follow with sorrow the news of the attacks that continue to strike numerous Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv. They cause casualties and injuries, including children, and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, leaving families homeless as the cold weather sets in. I assure my closeness to the people who are so severely tested.
We cannot get used to war and destruction! Let us pray together for a just and stable peace in the tormented Ukraine.
