Fr. Łukasz Bankowski – Vatican City
New Blessed for the Maronite Church
The Holy Father recalled yesterday’s beatification ceremonies in Lebanon, where Elias Hoayek, Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites, was elevated to the altars. He noted that for over thirty years he led the Maronite Church with great dedication and pastoral sensitivity, becoming a religious, social, and political authority. For this reason, he was called the “Father of Greater Lebanon.”
Leo XIV expressed the hope that the prayer and intercession of the new Blessed will strengthen Maronite the faithful around the world and implore the longed-for gift of peace for Lebanon.
Fervent appeal for peace in the Holy Land
According to Vatican News, the Pope spoke with concern about the deepening violence in the Holy Land. He pointed out that recently an increasing number of civilians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have fallen victim to it.
The Holy Father appealed for a return to negotiations leading to a just political solution based on the equal dignity and equal rights of every person. He also called for the rejection of new military actions and unilateral decisions, especially those that violate respect and the status quo of the holy sites of all religions.
The Middle East needs dialogue
Leo XIV also renewed his appeal concerning the entire Middle East, where a renewed escalation of military action brings death, destruction, and worsens the humanitarian crisis. He pointed out that many civilians are suffering due to a lack of access to drinking water and electricity.
From the bottom of his heart, the Pope called on all parties involved to cease attacks and urgently open spaces for dialogue and diplomacy in order to bring about as quickly as possible the peace that the entire region so greatly desires.
He also encouraged the faithful not to cease in prayer for all nations affected by war, asking God for the conversion of hearts and wisdom for those responsible for the fate of nations.
Giving thanks for the elderly
The Holy Father also recalled that today marks the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, whose theme is taken from the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I will not forget you” (Isaiah 49:15).
He encouraged gratitude for the presence of the elderly in the Church and society, and urged that they be surrounded with respect, care, and proper support.
The Pope is close to the victims of fires
Leo XIV also addressed the tragic fires that have affected various regions of France and Spain in recent days. He assured his spiritual closeness to those affected and called on the faithful to pray for everyone impacted by the disaster and for the rescue services providing assistance.
Greetings to pilgrims and participants of the Peach Festival
The Holy Father addressed special greetings to the pilgrims belonging to the Work of the Church as well as the bishops accompanying them. He also welcomed children from the House of Mercy in Chortkiv, Ukraine, hosted by the parish of St. Michael the Archangel in Nocera Superiore; young people from the parish in Manerbio; participants of the International Youth Meeting organized on the occasion of the bicentenary of the death of St. Joan Antide Thouret; young pilgrims of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Ster-Der-Zee Catholic student movement from Maldegem, Belgium; and students of the Carabinieri School in Velletri along with their chaplain and superiors.
The Pope also greeted members of the Catholic Men Association of Cameroon.
Traditions of Castel Gandolfo and Rome
Leo XIV greeted the participants of the Peach Festival in Castel Gandolfo, who brought fruit to be blessed. He also recalled the traditional procession of Our Lady “Fiumarola” taking place this evening in Trastevere, Rome, wishing all participants that Mary may implore for them the grace to live the Gospel faithfully every day.
