Pope on Ukraine at Angelus: 'Fear for freedom of those who pray'

Francis urged peace in Middle East and Ukraine, criticizing Ukrainian law restricting religious freedom: “Churches are not to be touched.” Expressed concern over monkeypox epidemic in Democratic Republic of Congo. Solidarity with the people of Nicaragua oppressed by the Ortega regime.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - “We continue to pray for an end to so many wars: Palestine, Israel, in Myanmar, and in other regions. The peoples are asking for peace. We pray that the Lord will give us all peace.”

It comes back loudly after this morning's recitation of the last Angelus of August, Pope Francis' call for peace and a cessation of violence around the world, in the hours when Israel launched a preemptive attack on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, which was followed in response by the firing of 320 rockets toward 11 Israeli sites. Actions that raise fears for the region's already shaky stability.

This morning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the security cabinet.

The Holy Father from the window of the Vatican Apostolic Palace also said he is following with sorrow “the fighting in Ukraine and the Russian Federation.” On the latest developments on this front, he said he was concerned about “the freedom of those who pray.”

In fact, a text has become law in Ukraine that, according to Volodymyr Zelensky's words, strengthens “spiritual independence,” effectively going against the Ukrainian Church linked to the Moscow Patriarchate.

“Those who truly pray always pray for everyone. One does not commit evil because one prays. If someone commits evil against his people he will be guilty for it, but he cannot have committed evil because he prayed,” Bergoglio commented.

The new law was passed with 265 votes in favor and 25 against. “Let those who want to pray be allowed to pray in what they consider their Church. Please, let no Christian Church be abolished directly or indirectly. Churches are not to be touched,” he added.

This morning the Pope also shared his apprehension about the worsening monkeypox epidemic, which began in the Democratic Republic of Congo in September 2023; indeed, there is an increase in cases.

“I wish to express my solidarity with the thousands of people affected by monkeypox, which now constitutes a global health emergency,” said Francis, who also said he was praying for those infected. “I express my closeness to the local Churches in the countries most affected by this disease.

And I encourage governments and private industries to share available technology and treatments so that no one lacks adequate medical care,” he added, stressing the centrality of the right to health for all.

In addition, after the recitation of the Marian prayer Pope Frances reminded the people of Nicaragua, squeezed by the oppressive initiatives of President Ortega, who has expanded public control to include religious activities.

“I encourage you to renew your hope in Jesus. Remember that the Holy Spirit always guides History toward higher projects. May the Immaculate Virgin protect you in times of trial. And may she make you feel her maternal tenderness,” he said. Indeed, there have been arrests of religious, expulsions, and the introduction of a tax on income from donations from the faithful. “May Our Lady accompany the beloved people of Nicaragua,” he said.

Before the Angelus recitations, Bergoglio commented on the Gospel of the day (Jn. 6:60-69). In particular, the reflection revolved around Peter's words, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68). “It is a beautiful expression, which testifies to friendship, testifies to the trust that binds him to Christ, together with the other disciples,” Pope Francis said.

It is a friendship that is difficult to live, as “Jesus' choices often go beyond the common mentality, beyond the very canons of institutional religion and traditions, to the point of creating provocative and embarrassing situations.”

This challenge concerns all faithful people even today, which is possible to face, despite the difficulties. “The closer we are to Him - the more we adhere to His Gospel, receive His grace in the Sacraments, keep His company in prayer, imitate Him in humility and charity - the more we experience the beauty of having Him as a Friend, and realize that He alone has words of eternal life.”