His Holiness Pope Francis prayed for peace in the Central African Republic and he expressed closeness and said he is praying for the many victims of a devastating fire in California. UN officials said more than 40 people were killed and dozens wounded in Central African Republic in an attack on a Catholic mission sheltering 20,000 refugees. The attack took place in Alindao, east of the capital Bangui. Thousands of people were forced to flee when the mission was set on fire. His Holiness Pope Francis then turned his thoughts to the hundreds of people affected by a devastating camp fire in California, United States.
As reported by Vatican news, The Pontiff remarked that “With sorrow I learned of the massacre that took place two days ago in a camp for displaced people in the Central African Republic, in which two priests were also killed.” “Let us pray for the dead and for the wounded” the Pope continued “and let us pray that the violence will cease in that beloved country that is in great need of peace”. “My special prayer also goes to those affected by the fires that are plaguing California, and to the victims of the frost on the east coast of the United States” the Pontiff said.
During the Angelus, His Holiness Pope Francis also told the crowds that, on the occasion of today’s World Day of the Poor, he celebrated Mass in St Peter’s Basilica a Mass in the presence of many poor people who were accompanied by associations and parish groups.
