“May the hearts of the violent be converted.”
Pope Francis said this to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square today during his Angelus address, as he reflected on the horrific terrorist attack yesterday in Turkey’s main international airport.
Prior to the address, the Pope celebrated the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul during a Mass held in St. Peter’s Basilica, where he invested the pallium on 25 metropolitan archbishops from around the world.
“Last night, in Istanbul, a brutal terrorist attack was committed, which killed and injured many people,” he said. “We pray for the victims, for their families and for the dear Turkish people,” he said, calling for those present to join him in saying a Hail Mary.
“May the Lord convert the hearts of violent and sustain us in the way of peace,” he prayed.
When suicide bombers struck the Ataturk Airport yesterday, at least 41 people were killed and about 239 people wounded. According to officials, it is believed Islamic State militants are behind the attack.
After making this plea, Francis recalled an international conference on responsible investment with a social impact, entitled: “Making the Year of Mercy a Year of Impact for the Poor.”
The three-day Impact Investing Conference, June 26-28, concluded yesterday in Rome. It was hosted by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, in conjunction with Catholic Relief Services, and welcomed business and Catholic leaders from around the world to discuss how to harness the power of impact capital to sustain the Catholic Church’s social mission.
“May private investment, together with public, may help overcome poverty of so many marginalized people,” he prayed.
The Bishop of Rome then turned his attention to the city’s patrons: “My greeting now goes mainly to the faithful of Rome, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Patrons of the City!”
For this anniversary of Rome, he noted that the the “Pro Loco” organization has promoted the traditional Flower Festival, created by several artists and volunteers of the Civil Service.
“Thank you for this initiative and for the beautiful floral representations! And I want to remember also a fireworks show that takes place tonight in Piazza del Popolo, with proceeds going to support charitable works in the Holy Land and in Middle Eastern countries.”
As is customary, Pope Francis concluded wishing everyone good lunch, a happy feast day, and telling them to not to forget to pray for him.
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full Angelus Address: https://zenit.org/articles/angelus-address-on-the-feast-of-saints-peter-and-paul/
