Here is an unofficial Vatican-provided working translation of the address Pope Francis gave today from his window to socially distant faithful in St. Peter’s Square, after praying the midday Angelus:
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After the Angelus
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On 6 and 9 August 1945, 75 years ago, the tragic atomic bombardments of Hiroshima and Nagasaki took place. While I recall the visit I made to those places last year with deep emotion and
gratitude, I renew the invitation to pray and the commitment to a world completely free of nuclear
weapons.
In these days my thoughts often turn to Lebanon. There I see a Lebanese flag, a group of Lebanese
people. Last Tuesday’s catastrophe calls everyone, beginning with the Lebanese people, to work together for the common good of this beloved country. Lebanon has a particular identity, fruit of the encounter of different cultures, that has emerged over the course of time as a model of living together. Certainly, this coexistence is now very fragile, we know this, but I am praying that, with God’s help and everyone’s genuine participation, it may be reborn free and strong. I invite the Church in Lebanon to be close to the people on their Calvary, as she has been doing in these days, with solidarity and compassion, with heart and hands open to sharing. Moreover, I renew the appeal for generous aid on the part of the international community. And please, I ask the bishops, priests and religious of Lebanon to be close to the people and to live a style of life marked by evangelical poverty, without luxury, because your people are suffering, suffering a lot.
I greet you all, people of Rome and pilgrims from various countries – there are many flags here – families, parish groups, associations. In particular, I greet the youth from Pianengo, in the Diocese of Crema – there you are…, loud! – who have undertaken the Via Francigena from Viterbo to Rome.
Good for you, congratulations!
I convey a cordial greeting to the participants in the Tour de Pologne, – there are many Polish people here! – the international cycling race whose challenge this year is in memory of Saint John Paul II during the centenary of his birth. I wish all of you a happy Sunday. Please, do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch!
Arrivederci!
[Original text: Italian] [Working Translation by Vatican]
