HONG KONG (SE): “May the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary obtain for [Chinese Catholics] and for all of us the grace to be strong and joyful witnesses of the Gospel, even in the midst of trials, in order to always promote peace and harmony,” Pope Leo XIV said on May 25 at the conclusion of the weekly Regina Caeli, Vatican News reported.
Taking note of the observance for the Day of Prayer for the Church in China on May 24–instituted by Pope Benedict XVI – Pope Leo highlighted the prayers raised up to God throughout the world “as a sign of concern and affection for Chinese Catholics and their communion with the universal Church.”
He went on to say that, “with these sentiments, our prayer embraces all peoples suffering from war,” adding, “we invoke courage and perseverance for those engaged in dialogue and the sincere search for peace.”
