Pope Leo XIV issued urgent appeals for peace and humanitarian assistance Sunday, calling for the immediate release of people kidnapped in Haiti while urging continued support for communities devastated by catastrophic flooding in Nepal and Tibet.
Speaking after the midday Angelus prayer at Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father turned first to Haiti, where violence in Kenscoff has reportedly left numerous people dead and others abducted.
“From Haiti come terrible reports of the grave massacre perpetrated in Kenscoff, in which numerous people have lost their lives while others have been kidnapped,” Pope Leo said, according to Vatican News.
The Pope offered his prayers for those affected and made a direct appeal on behalf of those being held captive.
“I express my prayerful closeness to the victims and their families and ask that all the hostages be released without delay,” he said. “I make a heartfelt appeal to all those responsible to make a concrete commitment to ensuring the safety of the population and putting an end to every form of violence.”
Pope Leo then turned his attention to the deadly flooding and mudslides that have struck Nepal and Tibet. According to Vatican News, more than 700 people have been reported dead across the affected regions, while at least 3,000 remain missing.
The Holy Father invited Catholics to remember in prayer those who have died, the injured and missing, grieving families, and emergency workers carrying out search-and-rescue operations.
“May everyone’s concern and commitment help to alleviate suffering and bring the necessary assistance to the affected populations,” Pope Leo prayed.
His appeal has also been accompanied by material assistance. Vatican News reported that the Pope, through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, sent financial aid to Caritas Nepal to address urgent needs following the disaster.
Working in coordination with the Apostolic Nunciature of Nepal, Caritas Nepal has been providing food, basic necessities and shelter to people affected by the devastation.
The Pope had previously expressed his sorrow over the disaster in a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. In the message, he commended those who died “to the clemency of the Almighty” and expressed his condolences to grieving families.
Against the backdrop of violence and natural disaster, Pope Leo renewed his wider appeal for Christians to become instruments of peace. Recalling Saint Augustine, whose memorial the Church celebrated Aug. 28, the Pope compared peace to “the bread of the miracle that grew in the hands of the disciples as they broke it and distributed it.”
“May the number increase throughout the world,” Pope Leo prayed, “of those who courageously break and distribute the bread of peace, overcoming divisions, promoting justice, and practicing forgiveness, for the good of all.”
The Holy Father also looked ahead to the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on Sept. 1, which begins the ecumenical Season of Creation. This year’s theme is “Living Water.”
“Caring for our common home calls for a conversion of heart, so that what has been used to bring about destruction may instead be directed toward life,” Pope Leo said.
He concluded by inviting Christians not only to pray, but also to act amid the suffering confronting communities around the world.
“I invite everyone to join in prayer and action, that we may become channels of the living water of God’s peace, refreshing our wounded world.”
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