VATICAN (CNS): With the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic continuing, Pope Francis asked people to remember the ongoing crises in Syria and Yemen, as well as western Ukraine which has suffered the effects of violent flooding.
After the Angelus prayer on June 28, the pope noted that on June 30, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) were scheduled to hold their fourth conference on “supporting the future of Syria and the region.”
A statement from the EU said that “the situation in Syria and the region remains highly critical (and is) now being further compounded by the consequences of Covid-19 pandemic.”
Pope Francis asked Catholics to “pray for this important meeting, so that it may improve the dramatic situation of the Syrian people and neighbouring peoples… Please, may the leaders be capable of making peace.”
The pope also asked prayers for “the population of Yemen, especially the children, who are suffering as a result of the very serious humanitarian crisis.”
He also asked people to pray “for those affected by the severe floods in western Ukraine; may they experience the comfort of the Lord and the help of their brothers and sisters.”
