Pope reflects on Emmaus encounter, prays for Ukraine
May 05, 2014
In his Sunday Regina Caeli address, Pope Francis reflected on the Gospel reading at Mass, Christ’s encounter with the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk. 24:13-35).
The road to Emmaus, in which the disciples were “enlightened by the Word” and encountered Jesus in the breaking of the bread, is a “symbol of our journey of faith,” Pope Francis said. “The Scriptures and the Eucharist are indispensable elements for the encounter with the Lord.”
Pope Francis told those assembled in St. Peter’s Square that reading a selection of the Gospels and receiving Communion at Sunday Mass can help overcome sadness and discouragement. “The Word of God and the Eucharist fill us with joy.”
Following the praying of the Regina Caeli, the Pope spoke about Ukraine, where “the situation is grave.”
“I would like to invite you to entrust to Our Lady the situation in Ukraine, where tensions continue unabated,” he said. “I pray with you for the victims of recent days, asking that the Lord instill sentiments of peacemaking and brotherhood in the hearts of everyone.”
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Further information:
- Le parole del Papa alla recita del Regina Caeli (Holy See Press Office)
- Pope Francis: Regina coeli appeals for Ukraine, Afghanistan (Vatican Radio)
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