Pope Leo XIV on Sunday expressed solidarity with the people of the Philippines following a powerful earthquake that struck the central part of the country, while urging global respect for migrants and renewed efforts for peace in the Middle East.
Speaking before the recitation of the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope thanked thousands of pilgrims who attended the Jubilee celebration for missionaries and migrants despite the rain.
“You are good missionaries because you came even in the rain! Thank you,” he said.
“The Church is entirely missionary and is one great people journeying towards the Kingdom of God,” the Pope added. “Today, our missionary and migrant brothers and sisters remind us of this.
The pontiff lamented that “no one should be forced to flee, nor exploited or mistreated because of their situation as foreigners or people in need!” He said human dignity must “always come first.”
Prayers for the Philippines
The Pope offered prayers for the victims of the September 30 earthquake that hit the central Philippines, particularly Cebu province.
“A strong earthquake struck the central region of the Philippines, particularly the province of Cebu and its neighboring provinces,” he said. “I express my closeness to the dear Filipino people, and in particular, I pray for those who are most severely affected by the consequences of the earthquake.”
He called on the faithful to remain united in faith amid tragedy, saying, “Faced with any danger, let us remain united and supportive in our trust in God and in the intercession of our Blessed Mother.”
Appeal for peace
The Pope also voiced concern over the continuing conflict in the Middle East. He said that “some significant steps forward have been taken in peace negotiations,” and expressed hope that these efforts “will achieve the desired results as soon as possible.”
He urged political leaders “to commit themselves to this path, to bring about a ceasefire and to release the hostages.”
Pope Leo XIV said he was “saddened by the immense suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza,” and condemned “the rise of antisemitic hatred in the world, as unfortunately we saw with the terrorist attack in Manchester a few days ago.”
Prayer for peace and solidarity
The pontiff invited the faithful to unite in prayer with those gathered at the Shrine of Pompeii for the Supplication to the Virgin of the Holy Rosary.
“In this month of October, as we contemplate with Mary the mysteries of Christ our Savior, let us deepen our prayer for peace: a prayer that becomes concrete solidarity with those people tormented by war,” he said.
The Pope expressed gratitude to children around the world who are praying the Rosary for peace and solidarity.
