Pope prays for Leprosy patients, Ukrainians and little Cocò

Vatican City, 27 January 2014: After leading the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday for the traditional Marian prayer, Pope Francis went on to pray for many tragic situations in the modern day Galilee of the world.

January 26 marked the World Leprosy Day. The Pontiff prayed for those who suffer with this “disease, although in decline, (that) unfortunately still affects many people in conditions of severe poverty.”

Pope Francis also prayed for those in the Ukraine who “have lost their lives in these days and for their families,” as the country experiences violence between police and protesters angry over legislation concerning admission to the European Union. The Pope expressed his hope for “constructive dialogue between the institutions and the civil society, avoiding any recourse to violent actions, the spirit of peace and the common good prevailing every heart.”

Departing from his prepared remarks, the Pontiff asked for a moment of silence for a small child in southern Italy who was burnt to death by the mafia as revenge for his grandfather’s unpaid debt. “Let’ s pray for Cocò, who is surely in heaven with Jesus, and for those who have committed this crime: may they repent and convert to the Lord,” he said.

Pope Francis concluded his Angelus by having two children from the Diocese of Rome’s Catholic Action join him in the window of the apostolic palace.

The many youth gathered in the square cheered loudly and waved giant yellow foam hands as Pope Francis thanked them for their apostolic work. After reading a message to Pope Francis, the two children released doves as a symbol of peace.Source: VR Sedoc