Pope Francis noted a variety of suffering peoples after he prayed the midday Angelus on this March 26, and noted that, as he has requested, March 25 was a day to renew our consecration to the Immaculate Heart.
He said:
Yesterday, Solemnity of the Annunciation, we renewed the consecration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in the certainty that only the conversion of hearts can open the way that leads to peace. Let us continue to pray for the tormented Ukrainian people.
A year ago on March 25, the Pope, united with the bishops of the world, consecrated Russia, Ukraine, and the world to the Immaculate Heart.
See our coverage of that event, with details about Mary’s request for this consecration, here.
More suffering
The Pope also mentioned more suffering peoples and situations, including the victims of the tornado that tore through rural Mississippi, killing more than two dozen people.
The Pope encouraged:
Let us stay close also to the earthquake victims of Turkey and Syria. The proceeds of special collection taking place today in all parishes throughout Italy are destined for them. Let us also pray for the population of the state of Mississippi, struck by a devastating tornado.
He also mentioned Peru in particular, saying we are “renewing the prayer for reconciliation and peace in Peru. We must pray for Peru, which is suffering a great deal.”
Peru has been in uproar since December, when the then-president, Pedro Castillo, dissolved Congress and took over the judicial branch, which was investigating him for corruption. He was quickly arrested and his vice president placed in charge. Protests have ensued, with many being killed, as some forces call for the vice president to resign and elections to be held.
As well, certain areas of the country were affected by Cyclone Yaku, which killed at least eight and destroyed thousands of homes.
And today we celebrate...