Here is the CNS translation of the prayer for peace Pope Francis recited at his weekly general audience March 16. The prayer was composed by Archbishop Domenico Battaglia of Naples.
International News
Pope Francis Says Elderly Must be Prophets, Warning of World’s ‘Self-Destruction’
In a world still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and starting to feel the threat of nuclear war between Russia and Western nations, Pope Francis said that symbol of Noah and the great flood that wiped out humanity “is gaining ground in our subconscious.”
Pope Francis Prays For an End to War in Ukraine
Asking God to forgive all people tempted by violence, Pope Francis prayed for an end to the war in Ukraine and the fratricidal killing of both combatants and civilians caught in the crossfire.
Diplomats, Including Ukrainian and Russian, Pray for Peace at Vatican
Under the gaze of a painting of “Mary, Untier of Knots” and with dozens of diplomats from around the world, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, celebrated a Mass for peace in Ukraine.
Archbishop Claims Pope Francis Is Being Prevented From Speaking to Putin
Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has thwarted efforts by Pope Francis to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian Archbishop Borys Gudziak said on March 15.
Pope Francis to Consecrate Russia, Ukraine to Mary
Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during a penitential prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica March 25, the Vatican said.
Displaced Ukrainians Find Shelter in Lviv Churches, Schools, Orphanage
The massive movement of women and children fleeing Russian bombardments in Eastern Ukraine has led hundreds of thousands of them to Lviv, less than 50 miles from the Polish border.
Kyiv Mayor Invites Pope to Visit as Sign of Solidarity, Witness for Peace
Mayor Vitali Klitschko of Kyiv, Ukraine’s besieged capital, has invited Pope Francis and other religious leaders to come to the city and witness for peace.
‘Defend These Innocent Civilians,’ Says Ukrainian Catholic Archbishop
Russian President Vladimir Putin did not invade Ukraine out of concern that NATO would encroach on his borders, but concern about “the disease of democracy that could spread like a virus, and that’s deadly for oligarchies and authoritarian rulers,” said the archbishop who serves as a “foreign minister” for the Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Puerto Rico Religious Leaders Welcome Long-Awaited Debt Restructuring Plan
Religious leaders in Puerto Rico have welcomed a debt restructuring plan that will reduce the stress on the U.S. territory’s economy and called for more focused efforts to reduce poverty and prioritize economic development.