Pope Francis noted this weeks’ 60th anniversary of the start of the Second Vatican Council, on October 11.
After a Mass in St. Peter’s Square with two canonizations, he led the faithful in the midday Angelus.
Before the prayer, he made this observation:
Regarding the beginning of the Council 60 years ago, we should not forget the danger of nuclear war that menaced the world right at that time. Why don’t we learn from history? Even at that moment, there were conflicts and huge tensions, but the way of peace was chosen. It is written in the Bible: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls'” (Jer 6:16).
Thailand tragedy
As well, the Pope mentioned the horrific killing spree in Thailand, where a former police officer with a history of drug possession killed more than 30 people in a preschool, most of them children:
I assure you of my prayers for the victims of the mad act of violence that took place three days ago in Thailand. With deep emotion, I entrust their lives to the Father, especially the little children and their families.
And today we celebrate...