Pope prays for peace ahead of
80th anniversary of World War II outbreak
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| Pope Francis greets a group of soldiers on Wednesday (Vatican Media) |
Pope Francis prays that the 80th anniversary of the start of
World War II, which falls on 1 September, may be an opportunity to reflect on
the horrors of war.
By Devin Watkins
Sunday, 1 September, marks 80 years since the outbreak of
the Second World War.
On that day in 1939, Germany invaded Poland, leading Britain
and France to declare war on Adolf Hitler’s Nazi state, two days later.
Pope Francis recalled that tragic day on Wednesday, as well
as the commemorations to be held in Warsaw, Wielun, and other Polish cities.
Peace over hatred
“We shall all pray for peace, so that the tragic
consequences of hate – which brought only destruction, suffering, and death –
may never be repeated,” he said.
The Pope also invited everyone to pray to God, so that
“peace may reign in the hearts of all and in families, societies, and amongst
peoples.”
Pope Francis’ words came in his remarks to Polish pilgrims
present at the General Audience.
Events to mark 80th anniversary
Numerous heads of state will attend the commemorations in
Warsaw, including several EU and NATO member states. US President Donald Trump
will also be in attendance.
The German and Polish presidents will mark the outbreak of
World War II in Wielun, the first Polish city bombed by Nazi Germany.
Later in the day of 1 September, world leaders will converge
on Piłsudski Square, in Warsaw, to mark the 80th anniversary at
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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