Vatican City: At the conclusion of the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV conveyed heartfelt gratitude to all those striving to foster peace in regions torn by conflict. He also offered prayers for the people of the Philippines, where Typhoon Fung-wong has wreaked havoc.
The Pontiff expressed solidarity with Filipinos affected by the super-typhoon, which has forced over a million people to evacuate from the hardest-hit areas. With sustained winds reaching 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts exceeding 230 km/h (143 mph), the storm has left a trail of devastation. Pope Leo prayed for those who have lost their lives, their families, the injured, and those displaced by the disaster.
Pope Leo XIV also highlighted his deep appreciation for all who dedicate themselves to the cause of peace in war-stricken regions. He recalled recent prayers offered for victims of armed conflicts, noting that many of the deceased were civilians including children, the elderly, and the sick who perished in fighting and bombardments. He emphasized that the true way to honor their memory is through the establishment of ceasefires and a sincere commitment to dialogue and negotiation.
In Italy, the Church is observing its annual Thanksgiving Day. The Pope joined the nation’s bishops in encouraging responsible stewardship of the land, reducing food waste, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices. He urged the faithful to offer thanks to God for 'Mother Earth' and for all who labor to nurture and protect our planet.