Pope Francis has passionately appealed for dialogue and rejecting violence in Belarus.
After his Sunday Angelus, the Pontiff recalled the mass protests in the Eastern European country, from his window to socially distant faithful in St. Peter’s Square, after praying the midday Angelus.
The Argentine Pontiff encouraged respecting justice and law in the nation, where social tensions have multiplied, following the contested election of President Alexander Lukashenko.
On August 9, Lukashenko obtained 80 percent of the votes.
Drawing attention to “dramatic situations in the world,” Francis mentioned his concern for “dear Belarus,” where the people’s protests continue.
“I follow closely the post-electoral situation in that country,” he pointed out, stating: “I appeal for dialogue and the rejection of violence.”
“I entrust,” Pope Francis said, “all Belarusians to the protection of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace.”
The Pontiff also appealed for beloved Lebanon as it still suffers dramatically following the recent explosions.
Pope Francis concluded, wishing all those present or following the Angelus via streaming, a happy Sunday, and saying: “please do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch!”
Here is an unofficial working Vatican translation of the Pope’s full remarks following his Angelus:
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Dear brothers and sisters,
I continue to pray for Lebanon, and for other dramatic situations in the world that are causing people to suffer. My thought goes also to dear Belarus. I am following attentively the post-electoral situation in that nation and I call for dialogue, the rejection of violence and the respect for justice and the law. I entrust all Belarusians to the protection of the Madonna, Queen of Peace.
I affectionately greet all of you, people from Rome and pilgrims from various countries. In particular, I greet the Brazilian men and women religious present here in Rome – with so many flags – these religious are following spiritually the First National Week of Consecrated Life being celebrated in Brazil. Happy week of consecrated life. Ever onward! I extend my greeting also to the courageous young people of the Immaculata!
These days are days of vacation: it can be a time to restore the body, but also the spirit through moments dedicated to prayer, to silence and to relaxing contact with the beauty of nature, God’s gift. This should not allow us to forget the problems there are due to Covid: many families do not have work, have lost work, and have nothing to eat. Works of charity and drawing near to these families should also accompany our summer break.
I with all of you a blessed Sunday and enjoy your lunch! And please, do not forget to pray for me.
Arrivederci!
[Original text: Italian] [Working Translation by Vatican]
