Pope Francis: ‘We Must Not Get Used to War!’

In his brief spiritual meditation, Pope Francis spoke about the power of intercessory prayer with a reminder that Jesus himself is in heaven interceding on our behalf before the Father.

Pope Francis delivers his Regina Caeli address on May 21.
Pope Francis delivers his Regina Caeli address on May 21. (photo: National Catholic Register / Vatican Media)

One week after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Pope Francis urged that “we must not get used to war” as he prayed for peace in Ukraine and Sudan.

In his Regina Caeli address on May 21, the Pope entreated people to “continue to stand by the battered people of Ukraine” more than one year after Russia’s invasion.

The day prior, Pope Francis entrusted Italian Cardinal Cardinal Matteo Zuppi with a peace mission on behalf of the Vatican to try to help end the war in Ukraine.

Pilgrims in St. Peter's Square hold up a sign that says "pace," which means "peace" in Italian. Vatican Media

Pilgrims in St. Peter's Square hold up a sign that means peace in Italian. | Vatican Media

Pope Francis also prayed for peace in Sudan, where fighting between the country’s military and a coalition of paramilitary forces has killed hundreds and displaced nearly 1 million people.

“It is sad, but one month after the outbreak of violence in Sudan, the situation continues to be grave,” he said.

The Pope welcomed the “partial agreements” that have been made between the country’s warring parties one day after they signed a seven-day cease-fire.

“I renew a heartfelt call for the laying down of arms and call on the international community to spare no effort to make dialogue prevail and alleviate the suffering of the people,” Pope Francis said.

“Please, let us not get used to conflict and violence. We must not get used to war!”

In his brief spiritual meditation, Pope Francis spoke about the power of intercessory prayer with a reminder that Jesus himself is in heaven interceding on our behalf before the Father.

The Pope noted that many countries, including Italy and some dioceses in the United States, celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord on Sunday.

“Why are we celebrating? Because with the Ascension, something new and beautiful happened: Jesus brought our humanity into heaven … that is, in God,” he said.

A marching band from Puerto Rico played music in St. Peter’s Square after Pope Francis' speech. Vatican Media

A marching band from Puerto Rico played music in St. Peter’s Square after Pope Francis' speech. | Vatican Media

Quoting the fourth-century bishop St. Gregory of Nyssa, he said: “‘What splendid news! He who became man for us … to make us his brothers, presents himself as man before the Father to bear with himself all those who are joined with him.’”

Pope Francis added: “What does Jesus do in heaven? He is there for us before the Father, continually showing our humanity to him, showing his wounds. I like to think that Jesus, before the Father, prays like this, showing him his wounds. … He shows him the price of redemption, and the Father is moved. This is something I like to think about.”

At the end of his Regina Caeli address, Pope Francis marked World Communications Day by thanking journalists and encouraging them to always work in “the service of truth and the common good

Pope Francis greeted pro-life groups who were present in St. Peter's Square holding a banner one day after Italy’s national  “Demonstration for Life.". Vatican Media

Pope Francis greeted pro-life groups who were present in St. Peter's Square holding a banner one day after Italy’s national Demonstration for Life. | Vatican Media

The Pope also greeted pro-life groups one day after Italy’s national “Demonstration for Life” and highlighted the beginning of Laudato Si’ Week, May 21-28. Pope Francis asked people to use their skills and creativity to do something to “care for our common home.”

Pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square from Mali, Argentina, Malta and many other countries received Laudato Si’ booklets from the Vatican, which were printed in collaboration with the Stockholm Environmental Institute.

A large group of young people wearing red baseball caps from the Archdiocese of Genoa cheered loudly as the pope mentioned their visit to the Vatican. Vatican Media

A large group of young people wearing red baseball caps from the Archdiocese of Genoa cheered loudly as the Pope mentioned their visit to the Vatican. | Vatican Media

A marching band from Puerto Rico played music in St. Peter’s Square at the end of the audience, and a large group of young people wearing red baseball caps from the Archdiocese of Genoa cheered loudly as the Pope mentioned their visit to the Vatican.

Pope Francis concluded: “I wish you all a good Sunday. Please don't forget to pray for me. Please do not forget.”

Pope Francis waves to more than 20,000 faithful at St. Peter's Square on Nov. 12.

Pope Francis: Cultivate the ‘Inner Life’ Rather Than Appearance and Image

Contemplation is necessary for a healthy spiritual life, the Holy Father said. ‘Make room for silence.’ He also prayed for those suffering amid war: ‘Every human being, whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, of any people and religion, every human being is sacred, precious in the eyes of God, and has the right to live in peace.’

Pope Francis addresses nearly 20,000 faithful at his Sunday Angelus address on Oct. 29.

Pope at Angelus: By Loving Others, ‘We Reflect the Father’s Love Like Mirrors’

On Sunday, Francis expressed that the love of God and the love of neighbor are inextricably bound together. He also thanked the faithful for observing the international day of prayer and fasting on Friday, while he implored for the release of hostages held by Hamas and humanitarian aid in Gaza; he also remembered war-ravaged Ukraine and those impacted by Hurricane Otis in Mexico.

Faithful gather in front of the Vatican's Basilica of St. Mary Mayor in Rome, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, to lead a prayer for peace in the Middle East. A prayer vigil will take place at 6 p.m. in St. Peter’s Square on Oct. 27, where the faithful will join the Pope to participate in ‘an hour of prayer in a spirit of penance to implore peace in our time, peace in this world.’

Prayer and Fasting

EDITORIAL: Just as European Christians prayed the Rosary and fasted to be freed from the repressive Ottoman Empire, we need to employ the same strategy for peace in the Middle East and elsewhere.