Pope recalls St. John Paul, prays for peace in Ukraine

May 19, 2016

Following his May 18 general audience, Pope Francis recalled the figure of St. John Paul II, who was born on that day in 1920, and greeted Ukrainian orphans and refugee children who had fled their homes because of the conflict there.

“By the intercession of Mary Most Holy, I renew my prayer that a lasting peace be reached, that may relieve the troubled population and offer a serene future to the new generations,” the Pope said in reference to the conflict in Ukraine.

As he addressed the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, he added:

Today, the birthday of St. John Paul II, I cordially greet all the Polish present here today. I join spiritually with the president of the Republic of Poland, with the fighters and with those who participate in the Holy Mass in the Polish cemetery of Montecassino in memory of the fallen, as well as those gathered in Torun for the consecration of the Shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the New Evangelization and of St. John Paul II. May these important events be for you an invitation to pray for peace, for the Church in Poland and for the prosperity of your homeland.

 

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Further information:

• Francis greets Ukrainian children, orphans and refugees fleeing armed conflict, and celebrates the anniversary of St. John Paul II's birth (Holy See Press Office)