In his Angelus catechesis, the pope said true joy is found in communion with Christ and lived through concrete acts of charity.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow and prayerful closeness for victims of recent violent attacks in Nigeria on Sunday, calling on authorities to ensure the protection of every citizen.<\/p>\n
Speaking after the Angelus prayer in St. Peter\u2019s Square on Feb. 8, the pope said: \u201cIt is with sorrow and concern that I learned of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria leading to a heavy loss of life. I express my prayerful closeness to all the victims of violence and terrorism.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to reports cited by the Vatican agency Fides, armed groups had carried out a series of attacks in recent days in several Nigerian states, including Kaduna and Niger. The assaults included killings, kidnappings, the burning of police stations, attacks on churches and diocesan structures, and the vandalism of a Catholic clinic, forcing many residents to flee. Among those kidnapped was Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, parish priest of Holy Trinity Parish in Karku. The Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction and entrusted the captives \u201cto the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their safe return.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier, in his reflection before the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV focused on the Gospel passage in which Jesus called his disciples \u201cthe salt of the earth\u201d and \u201cthe light of the world,\u201d linking it to the theme of authentic Christian joy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndeed, it is genuine joy that gives flavor to life and brings to light something that was not there before,\u201d the pope said. \u201cThis joy springs from a way of life, a way of inhabiting the earth and of living together that must be desired and chosen. It is the life that shines in Jesus, the new flavor of his words and deeds.\u201d<\/p>\n
After encountering Christ, he explained, \u201cthose who would distance themselves from all this seem bland and dull,\u201d referring to Jesus\u2019 poverty of spirit, meekness and simplicity of heart, and hunger and thirst for justice that unlock mercy and peace as forces of transformation and reconciliation.<\/p>\n
Acknowledging human frailty, Pope Leo XIV said: \u201cIndeed, it is painful to lose flavor and give up joy; yet it is possible to have this wound in one\u2019s heart.\u201d Yet Jesus, he noted, warned believers not to surrender to discouragement, reminding them that God never discards anyone. \u201cEvery wound, even the deepest, will be healed by welcoming the word of the Beatitudes and setting us back on the path of the Gospel.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope emphasized that concrete acts of charity and attention to others rekindled joy, while remaining rooted in the Eucharist. The \u201ctrue flavor,\u201d he said, was found \u201cevery Sunday in the Bread that is broken, which is a life given and a silent love.\u201d<\/p>\n
After the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV also recalled the beatification of Father Salvatore Valera Parra in Hu\u00e9rcal-Overa, Spain, praising him as \u201ca parish priest completely devoted to his people, humble and generous in pastoral charity.\u201d His example, the pope said, could inspire today\u2019s priests \u201cto be faithful in living each day with simplicity and asceticism.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marking the memorial of St. Josephine Bakhita, the pope noted that the Church also celebrated the World Day of Prayer and Reflection Against Human Trafficking. \u201cI thank the religious and all those who are committed to combating and eliminating current forms of slavery,\u201d he said. \u201cTogether with them, I say: Peace begins with dignity!\u201d<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV also assured prayers for communities affected by floods and landslides in Portugal, Morocco, Spain \u2014 especially Grazalema in Andalusia \u2014 and southern Italy, particularly Niscemi in Sicily, encouraging them to remain united and supportive under the protection of the Virgin Mary.<\/p>\n
Concluding his remarks, the pope urged continued prayer for peace: \u201cHistory teaches us that strategies of economic and military power do not give humanity a future. The future lies in respect and fraternity among peoples.\u201d<\/p>\n
Acest articol a fost publicat pentru prima dat\u0103 \u00een dou\u0103 p\u0103r\u021bi de ACI Prensa, serviciul de limb\u0103 spaniol\u0103 al EWTN News. Ea a fost tradus\u0103 \u0219i adaptat\u0103 de EWTN News English.<\/p>\n