At his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo XIV turned the hearts of the faithful toward the youngest victims of war, asking Catholics worldwide to join him in prayer and action.
“Remember in your prayers and humanitarian projects the children of Ukraine, Gaza, and other regions of the world afflicted by war,” he said, according to Vatican News. His words serve as a reminder that the Church must not turn away from those who suffer most—the innocent children caught in the crossfire of global conflicts.
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Speaking to Polish pilgrims, the Holy Father highlighted the National Day of Polish Victims of War, which honors the memory of children who suffered and contributed to the rebuilding of Poland after World War II. “I entrust you and the children who are suffering today to the protection of Mary, Queen of Peace,” Pope Leo said (Vatican News).
The Pope’s call was not limited to Europe. Greeting Arabic-speaking faithful, he invited those facing hardship to approach God with hope: “I invite you to transform your cry in moments of trial and tribulation into a trusting prayer, because God always listens to his children and responds at the moment he deems best for us” (Vatican News).
Pope Leo’s words challenge Catholics everywhere to take concrete steps—through prayer, fasting, and works of mercy—to defend and uplift children living through war. His prayerful entrustment to Mary, Queen of Peace, is an invitation to seek heaven’s intercession for the end of violence and the restoration of hope where it has been nearly extinguished.
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