Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Gaza old and new wars, too many victims, situations of particularly brutal violence. Papa Francesco takes to heart the many conflicts in the world and invited us in this to pray for peace, especially for the Christians in Iraq.
In the Angelus of August 10th he said: " The news coming from Iraq leaves us in disbelief and dismay: thousands of people, including many Christians, brutally driven from their homes; children dead from thirst and hunger during the escape; women who are abducted; people slaughtered; violence of every kind; destruction everywhere, destruction of homes, destruction of religious, historical and cultural patrimonies. All this greatly offends God and greatly offends humanity. You cannot bring hatred in the name of God. You cannot make war in the name of God! All of us thinking on this situation, on these people, let us make a moment of silence and pray".
Thus a group of pilgrims from the Community of Sant'Egidio in Rome gathered with young people from Bethlehem to pray for Peace.
In the Basilica of the Nativity resounded the names of the countries at war and of the many situations of violence that make life impossible. A silent procession light candles of peace to show our hope for peace.
At the end many people have thanked us for this time of prayer, which gives peace of mind at a difficult time even in the Holy Land.
The young people and the Franciscan who are in charge of the Parish will continue to pray for peace in communion with the Community of Sant'Egidio, once a month.