Pope Leon XIV addressed a diverse crowd in st. Peter’s Square on Sunday,February 8,offering a message of peace amid escalating global conflicts and humanitarian crises. The Pontiff’s remarks, delivered following his weekly angelus prayer, highlighted concerns ranging from violence in Nigeria and recent natural disasters in Southern Europe to the urgent issue of human trafficking . He also welcomed pilgrims from Latvia, Lithuania, and Belarus, underscoring the Catholic Church’s continued international outreach.
Pope Leon XIV greeted Latvian pilgrims who gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, February 8, to participate in his Angelus prayer. The Latvian flag was among the many national banners displayed during the event, and some attendees carried a sign reading “Riga St. Albert’s Parish. Latvia.” The papal appearance and greeting highlight the Vatican’s ongoing outreach to Catholic communities worldwide.
Jānis Evertovskis – Vatican
Following the Angelus prayer, the Pope called for prayers for peace, specifically mentioning the ongoing violence in Nigeria. He also expressed his solidarity with the people of Portugal, Morocco, Spain, and Italy, who have been affected by recent devastating floods and landslides.
Pope Leon XIV extended a welcome not only to the pilgrims from Latvia but also to those from neighboring Lithuania and Belarus. Pilgrims from the Neocatechumenal Way community in Panevėžas, Lithuania, held a banner displaying the image of the Virgin Mary, accompanied by a message to the Pope in Lithuanian and Italian: “We are with you.”
Addressing the crowd, the Pope stated: “Let us continue to pray for peace. History teaches us that economic and military power strategies do not ensure a future for humanity. The future lies in respect and brotherhood among peoples.”
The Roman Pontiff emphasized that prayer is a powerful antidote to war and that history serves as a teacher for the future, warning that current conflicts threaten the prospects of younger generations.
Concern for Nigeria
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The Pope turned his attention to Nigeria, which has been shaken by clashes between communities. Recent attacks in Benue State resulted in the deaths of 30 people over a couple of days, while more than 50 people were abducted and 6 killed in attacks on four villages in Kaduna State, according to reports from news agency AFP.
The attacks in Kaduna State’s southern region, where the population is predominantly Christian, follow the abduction of over 180 people in January, most of whom have since been released. “I learned with pain and concern of the recent attacks on various communities in Nigeria, which caused many victims,” the Pope said. He added that at least 160 people were killed on February 3 in the village of Woro, located in the country’s central-west. “In prayer, I am close to all those who have been victims of violence and terrorism,” he continued. “I wish that the competent authorities continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of every citizen.”
The Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction of 11 people, including one priest, and the deaths of 3 others. Father Nathaniel Asue, the parish priest of the Holy Trinity Parish in Karku, was taken from his home in the early hours of Saturday morning by a group of terrorists. Nigeria ranks seventh in the world regarding threats to religious freedom, according to a report released earlier this year by the association “Open Doors.”
Solidarity with Flood Victims
During his address, Pope Leon XIV also expressed his closeness to the people of Portugal, Morocco, Spain – particularly Grazalema in Andalusia – and Southern Italy, who have recently suffered from severe flooding. In the Caltanissetta region of Sicily, authorities are battling a large landslide triggered by prolonged rainfall and clay soil near a populated area since January 25. Officials estimate that over 1,500 people have been evacuated. “I invite communities to be united and to show solidarity, under the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary,” the Pope said.
International Day of Prayer Against Human Trafficking
The Pope also reminded the faithful that February 8 marks the International Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking, with the theme “Peace begins with dignity: a global call to end human trafficking.” The day commemorates Saint Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese woman who symbolizes liberation from slavery. According to United Nations data, approximately 27 million people worldwide are affected by this issue, primarily women, children, migrants, and those displaced by conflict and climate change.
“I thank the sisters and all those who are committed to fighting the present-day forms of slavery and to eradicating them. Together with them, I say: peace begins with dignity!” the Pope stated.
The Pope previously addressed a special message to all those involved in the fight against human trafficking on this day, describing it as a “grave crime against humanity” that must be combatted and eradicated. The Holy Father recalled the risen Christ’s words, “Peace be with you!” and emphasized that true peace begins with the protection of the dignity of every person.
Beatification of Father Salvator Valera
On February 7, the beatification ceremony for Father Salvator Valera Parras took place in Huercal-Overa, Spain, presided over by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for Causes of Saints. Pope Leon XIV described the new blessed priest as a man completely dedicated to his people, characterized by humility and pastoral love. “May the example of this priest, who focused on the essential, serve as an encouragement for today’s priests to be faithful in their daily lives, living simply and ascetically,” the Pope wished.
