Pope calls for remembrance and prayer on Auschwitz anniversary

Pope Francis prays in St Maximilian Kolbe's cell at Auschwitz 2016 - Image: ICN/JS screen shot

Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis is asking men and women of goodwill to gather in prayer and recollection on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. The Holy Father appealed for remembrance of the Holocaust saying that "in the face of this immense tragedy indifference is not admissible and memory is due."

Speaking to pilgrima gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus, the Pope recalled that Monday, 27 January, marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp, symbol of the Shoah.

"Tomorrow we are all invited to set aside a moment of prayer and recollection, saying in our hearts: never again!" he said.

Pope Francis also mentioned that today we celebrate the first 'Sunday of the Word of God', established to better celebrate and receive the gift that God has given, and gives on a daily basis to His people through his Word.

And he thanked all those Dioceses and communities which have promoted initiatives that put the Sacred Scriptures at the center of the life of the Church..

The Pope also recalled that today we mark 'World Leprosy Day', and said that he is close to all those who suffer from Hansen's disease and to those who care for them in different ways.

He also mentioned those who have died and those affected by the Corona virus, saying: "I wish to be close to and pray for the people who are sick because of the virus that has spread through China..May the Lord welcome the dead into his peace, comfort families and sustain the great commitment by the Chinese community that has already been put in place to combat the epidemic," he said.

World Leprosy Day was established to raise awareness about the disease and those affected by it. According to recent World Health Organization reports, the disease is re-emerging as a global health challenge, particularly in countries like India, Brazil and Indonesia.