Pope Francis requested today, after reciting the Angelus prayer with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, prayers for Palestine and Lebanon.
The Pope mentioned that the first victims are civilians and that he sees daily images of children killed brutally. He added that it is sad to see how the war destroys hospitals and schools, saying, "Let us pray for peace.
The Supreme Pontiff also presided over a divine liturgy that concluded the second session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission," which was held in the Vatican.
And he said in his sermon, "We do not want a sitting church, but a standing church." We do not want a silent church, but a church that hears the cry of humanity. We do not want a blind church, but a church radiating with the light of Christ and carrying the light of the gospel to others. We do not want a church fixed in its place, but a sent church walking with the Lord Jesus on the paths of the world.