Pope appeals for peace at conclusion of Marseille visit

By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis wrapped up his two-day visit to Marseille in southern France, where he participated in the concluding session of the “Mediterranean Meetings”, with a hearfelt plea for peace in Ukraine and throughout our war-ravaged world.

Speaking at the end of Holy Mass in Marseille’s Velodrome Stadium, the Pope expressed his thanks to all of his hosts and thanked the French Church for its “gentle and committed service, which bears witness to the closeness and compassion of the Lord!”

Terrorism is an act of cowardice

The Pope noted that amongst those present at the Mass was a group of believers from the city of Nice, accompanied by their Bishop and Mayor.

“I recall the terrible attack of 14 July 2016, of which you are survivors. Let us prayerfully remember all those who lost their lives in that tragedy, as well as in all the terrorist acts that have been perpetrated in France and in every part of the world,” he said, describing terrorism as an act of cowardice.

Appeal for peace

Before expressing his closeness to children, the sick and the elderly, whom he described as “memory of civilization”, Pope Francis issued an appeal for prayers for peace in war-devastated regions across the world, and “especially for the war-torn people of Ukraine.”

Protect workers

The Holy Father also had a special greeting for workers. He recalled Jacques Loew, France's first worker-priest who worked at the port of Marseille: “May the dignity of workers be respected, promoted and protected!”

Finally, assuring those present that he will carry the encounters of these days in his heart, the Pope invoked the protection of Notre Dame de la Garde to watch over Marseille, a city “which is a mosaic of hope, over all your families, and over each of you.”