Pope Francis pays tribute to D-Day soldiers

June 06, 2014

In a message to the bishops of France for the 70th anniversary of D-Day, Pope Francis rendered “homage to the numerous soldiers who left their countries to land on the beaches of Normandy, in order to fight against Nazi barbarism and liberate occupied France.”

The Pope also “does not forget the German soldiers” as well as “all the victims of this war,” said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, who signed the papal message.

“This commemoration reminds us that the exclusion of God from the life of people and societies can bring only death and misfortune,” continued the prelate, who said that Pope Francis desires that St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) be “a guide and a protector to advance on the path of peace.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• A l'occasion du 70ème anniversaire du débarquement en Normandie (Conférence des évêques de France)
• Pope Francis pays tribute to 'heavy sacrifice' of soldiers on 70th anniversary of D-Day landings (Vatican Radio)