Having no fear of those who have lost the warmth of their homes

After his discourse to the guests of the John xxiii Peace Lab Centre, Pope Francis recited a prayer beside an image of Our Lady of Good Rest. The following is the English text of the prayer.

Lord God, Creator of the universe,

source of all freedom and peace, love and fraternity,

you created us in your own image,

breathed in us the breath of life

and made us sharers in your own life of communion.

Even when we broke your covenant

you did not abandon us to the power of death,

but continued, in your infinite mercy,

to call us back to you,

to live as your sons and daughters.

Pour out upon us your Holy Spirit

and grant us a new heart,

sensitive to the pleas, often silent,

of our brothers and sisters who have lost

the warmth of their homes and homeland.

Grant that we may give them hope

by our welcome and our show of humanity.

Make us instruments of peace

and practical, fraternal love.

Free us from fear and prejudice;

enable us to share in their sufferings

and to combat injustice together,

for the growth of a world in which each person

is respected in his or her inviolable dignity,

the dignity that you, O Father, have granted us

and your Son has consecrated forever. Amen.