[ad_1]
Despite his ailment, Pope Francis said the noon prayer from the library of the Apostolic Palace on New Year’s Day. He greeted children by singing Christmas carols who, due to the corona pandemic, cannot go from house to house during the Christmas season, spreading hope and collecting donations for underprivileged children.
After his catechesis, the Pope paid tribute to the efforts of the children who, despite the restrictions, had found a way in this pandemic year in Germany and Austria to bring families “the good news of Christmas” and to collect donations for your colleagues in need in all regions of the world. . The traditional carol singing delegation from German-speaking countries was also unable to participate in the New Year’s service in Rome this year.
One part of the world was particularly on the Pope’s mind on this New Year’s Day: In Yemen, the situation of the people is currently worsening due to a renewed increase in violence, claiming many innocent victims, Francis said. He prayed for solutions that could restore peace to “afflicted populations”: “Brothers and sisters, let’s think about the children of Yemen! No training, no medicine, hungry. Let us pray together for Yemen ”, was the invitation of the church leader before saying a silent prayer.
In addition, the Pope invited prayer for and with the Nigerian Archdiocese of Owerri. After Christmas there, armed men kidnapped Auxiliary Bishop Moses Chikwe and his driver. He asked the Lord that all those who were victims of similar incidents in Nigeria could be released unharmed; May the “beloved land” find security, unity and peace, Francisco emphasized.
After the noon prayer, the Pope also expressed his gratitude for the initiatives that had been initiated for peace in the world in compliance with the epidemic protection measures. In particular, I was thinking about the various peace marches that have been held online around the world.
“I wish you all a year of peace and hope, with the protection of Mary, Holy Mother of God. And please don’t forget to pray for me. Blessed food and goodbye ”, Francis concluded the midday prayer.
(Vatican news – cs)
