Choosing peace in the face of nuclear threat

At the end of the Canonization Mass, Pope Francis led the Angelus prayer from the parvis of the Basilica of Saint Peter. After greeting the faithful devoted to the new saints, he recalled the Beatification of Maria Costanza Panas and the 60th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and then made a heartfelt appeal against the nuclear threat that continues to menace humanity and prayed for the victims of the school tragedy in Thailand. The following is a translation of the Pope’s reflection.

Before concluding this Eucharistic Celebration, I greet and thank all of you who have come to honour the new Saints. I greet the Cardinals, Bishops, priests, consecrated persons, especially the Missionaries of Saint Charles Borromeo and the Salesian Brother Coadjutors. I gratefully greet the Official Delegations.

Today in Fabriano, Maria Costanza Panas, a Capuchin Poor Clare nun, will be beatified. She lived in the Monastery in Fabriano from 1917 to 1963, when she departed for Heaven. She welcomed anyone who knocked at the monastery door, instilling serenity and confidence in all of them. Seriously ill during her final years, she offered her sufferings for the Second Vatican Council, whose 60th anniversary of beginning, is the day after tomorrow. May Blessed Maria Costanza help us to always be trustful in God and welcoming toward our neighbour. A round of applause for the new Blessed!

Regarding the beginning of the Council 60 years ago, we should not forget the danger of nuclear war that menaced the world right at that time. Why not learn from history? Even at that moment, there were conflicts and huge tensions, but the way of peace was chosen. It is written in the Bible: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls’” (Jer 6:16).

I assure you of my prayers for the victims of the mad act of violence that took place three days ago in Thailand. With deep emotion, I especially entrust the little children and their families to the Father of life.

And now let us turn to the Virgin Mary, so that she may help us be witnesses of the Gospel, enlivened by the example of the Saints.