Regina Coeli: Pope appeals for Southeast Asia migrants

Regina Coeli: Pope appeals for Southeast Asia migrants

(Vatican Radio) Following Mass on this Pentecost Sunday, Pope Francis at the Regina Coeli expressed serious concern over the plight of migrants in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman sea in Southeast Asia.

More than 3,600 people, around half of them from Bangladesh and the others, minority Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, have come ashore in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand since May 10. But thousands more are reported to be trapped at sea in desperate conditions.

The Holy Father spoke of his appreciation for the efforts being made by those countries that have expressed a willingness to welcome those people who are facing great suffering and danger. He also encouraged the international community to provide them with the necessary humanitarian assistance.

Pope Francis, after the recitation of the Regina Coeli also recalled Sunday, the one hundreth anniversary of Italy's entry into World War I, describing the conflict as "useless slaughter". He prayed for the victims, asking the Holy Spirit for the gift of peace.

The Pope then recalled Saturday’s Beatification’s of an Archbishop and Nun in El Salvador and Kenya.

Firstly, he remembered Archbishop Oscar Romero, of San Salvador, killed in hatred of the faith while celebrating the Eucharist. This zealous pastor, he said  an example of Jesus, chose to be among his people, especially the poor and the oppressed, even at the cost of his life. He also remembered, Italian nun, Sister Irene Stefani, of the Consolata Missionaries, who served the Kenyan people, he said,  with joy, mercy and tender compassion.

The Pope underlined that the heroic example of these blesseds inspire in each of us the fervent desire to be witnesses to the Gospel with courage and self-sacrifice.

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