Pope: May we unite in prayers for peace, intensified in Holy Week

Pope Francis in Saint Peter’s Square for the Palm Sunday celebrations (Vatican Media)

By Vatican News staff writer

Apr 3 2023

Pope Francis greets all those present from Rome and around the world for the Palm Sunday celebration and asks everyone to unite in prayers for peace, remembering Ukraine in particular. He thanks everyone for their prayers during these days.

At the conclusion of the Palm Sunday celebration in Saint Peter’s Square before leading the recitation of the Angels prayer, Pope Francis offered his greetings to all those present coming from near and far.

“I thank you for your participation and also for your prayers, which intensified during these past days. Thank you!”

The Pope offered his blessing to a peace caravan that left Italy for Ukraine in recent days to bring humanitarian ncecessities. Associations involved include the Pope John XXIII, FOCSIV, Pro Civitate Christiana, Pax Christi and other associations. The solidarity marks a sign of the closeness of the people of Italy to the battered people of Ukraine. The recalled that today “they are offering olive branches, symbols of the peace of Christ.”

“Let us unite ourselves to this gesture with our prayer, which will be more intense during the days of Holy Week.”

As Holy Week begins, the Pope invited everyone to live this time as the tradition of the holy, faithful people of God teaches us, which means accompanying the Lord Jesus with faith and love. He invited everyone to learn from our Mother, the Virgin Mary, who followed her Son Jesus with the closenss of her heart, one soul with Him.

“May Our Lady help us stay close to Jesus, present in the people who suffer, are cast out, abandoned…I wish everyone a good journey toward Easter!” – Vatican News