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Pope at Angelus: We are living a famine of peace

Pope Francis recites the Angelus prayer after Mass on the Solemnity of Christ the King in Asti and prays for an end to war.

By Francesca Merlo

Ending the celebration of Mass on the Solemnity of Christ the King in the Italian City of Asti, Pope Francis recited the Angelus prayer, before thanking the city in the northern region of Piedmont for the warm welcome he received.

A prayer for peace

Pope Francis then went on to describe the time in which we are living as "a famine of peace". He encouraged all those present to think of the many places in the world which are scourged by war, paying particular attention to Ukraine. He also turned his thoughts to the tragic fire two days ago in a refugee camp in Gaza, Palestine, which killed at least 21 people. "We pray for the families of the victims", which included 10 children. "May the Lord receive into heaven those who lost their lives and comfort that population so tried by years of conflict, stressed the Pope, adding, "Let’s give ourselves something to do and continue to pray for peace!" 

Young people can change the world

The Pope then spoke of young people, sending them his love as he recalled that local Churches observe World Youth Day on this solemnity. 

This year's theme, the Pope noted, is the same as the one for the upcoming World Youth Day in Lisbon: “Mary arose and went with haste”. The Pope noted that "Our Lady did this when she was young, and she tells us that the secret to remaining young is found precisely in those two verbs, to arise and to go". To arise and to go, repeated the Pope, "not to stay still thinking about ourselves, wasting our lives and chasing after comfort or the latest fads, but to aim for the heights, get on the move, leaving behind our own fears to take someone in need by the hand".

And today, Pope Francis concluded, we need young people who can change the world, "realizing dreams of peace".

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20 November 2022, 12:15

The Angelus is a special prayer recited by Catholics three times a day, at 6am, noon, and 6pm and is accompanied by the ringing of the Angelus bell. The name comes from the Latin word for Angel and the prayer itself reminds us of how Jesus Christ assumed our human nature through the Mystery of the Incarnation.
The Pope recites the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square every Sunday at midday.
He also gives a brief reflection on the Gospel of the day and often comments on some issue of international concern. The Pope’s words are broadcast all over the world on radio and television and widely shared on social media.
From Easter to Pentecost the Regina Coeli is prayed instead of the Angelus. This prayer commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and, like the Angelus, concludes with the recitation of the Gloria three times.

Latest Angelus / Regina Coeli

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