Pope praises Polish veterans of Montecassino

Rebuilt Abbey of Montecassino

Source: VIS/ICN

Pope Francis has paid tribute to Polish military veterans who fought in the 1944 Battle of Montecassino.

Former soldiers from the Polish army’s Second Corps who are in Rome for the anniversary of the Second World War battle were greeted by the Pope at the Wednesday General Audience.

Pope Francis praised the veterans who “fought for the freedom of your country and for other nations.” He said their efforts and the “sacrifice of life” of their companions had helped bring peace to Europe and the whole world.

The Battle of Montecassino in 1944 involved four allied assaults of German defence posts over a four month period, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties on both sides.

Montecassino is a rocky hill about 130 kilometres southeast of Rome. Site of the Roman town of Casinum, it is best known for it history abbey. St Benedict, founder of the Benedictine Order, established his first monastery here around 529.

The building was destroyed during the battle, but was rebuilt after the war and is once again a working monastery.

Read more about Montecassino Abbey here: www.abbaziamontecassino.org/abbey/index.php/en/#