Pope Leo: 'I follow with concern the alarming situation in Ceuta'

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

“I follow with concern the alarming situation in Ceuta, asking God, through the intercession of Our Lady of Africa, that solutions of peace, stability, and justice may be found.”

Pope Leo XIV made this appeal in Spanish following the recitation of the Angelus prayer on Sunday in the Vatican.

The Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta, located on the northern coast of Africa and bordering Morocco, is facing a major migration emergency.

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In recent days, tens of thousands of people have attempted to enter the territory from Morocco, overwhelming reception facilities and prompting Spain to deploy additional security forces.

Amid the crisis and the dangerous attempts to cross by sea at least 67 lives have been lost. According to Reuters, most of the victims drowned at sea or were killed in crushes during the chaotic crossings.

A prayer for wars to cease

The Pope then turned his thoughts to all those suffering because of war.

“Let us continue to pray for peace, that wars may cease throughout the world and that diplomatic solutions to conflicts may be found,” he said.

In a special way, he remembered victims of hostilities, especially “the weakest and most defenseless,” as he prayed for children, the elderly, and the sick.

Pope Leo prayed that the Lord would “comfort those who suffer and bless the work of all those who bring help and consolation.”

The Pardon of Assisi

Finally, the Pope also recalled celebration this weekend of the Pardon of Assisi, inviting the faithful to give thanks for this great spiritual gift and to cherish it.

The Pardon of Assisi is a plenary indulgence traditionally associated with St. Francis of Assisi that may be obtained by partaking of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist and visiting a parish or Franciscan church, reciting the Creed, the Lord’s prayer and praying for the Pope and his intentions.

The “Pardon of Assisi” dates back to 1216, when Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and angels appeared before St. Francis, in the tiny Porziuncula, the chapel Francis had built in the Italian town of Assisi.

When Jesus asked him what he desired for the salvation of souls, St. Francis asked for God to grant a plenary indulgence for all those who enter the chapel.

Later, the indulgence was extended to anyone who visits a parish or Franciscan church on August 1st or 2nd.