ROME, July 27 (RIA Novosti) – As the international community is marking the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I on Monday, Pope Francis came up with a plea on Sunday not to repeat the mistakes of the past and think of children suffering from armed conflicts across the globe instead.
“While recalling this tragedy [WWI] I hope that [people] would never repeat the mistakes of the past, but bear in mind the lessons of history instead… My thoughts today are with the Middle East, Iraq and Ukraine. Solutions to each of these conflicts should be based upon the common good and respect for every person, and not somebody’s private interests. We should remember that we lose everything with war and lose nothing with peace,” the pontiff stressed during the Angelus noon prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.
The Pope addressed the laity with a bid to join his prayers for civilians, authorities of these regions and children who become innocent victims of bloody conflicts.
“Brothers and sisters, say no to war! No to war! I am thinking above all of children deprived of hope of a decent life, of a future. Killed children, injured children, maimed children, orphans, children who have no toys but war, children who cannot smile. Please, stop! I beg you with all my heart,” Pope Francis urged.
The World War I, which started on July 28, 1914 and lasted until November 11, 1918 is one if the deadliest conflicts in history claiming an estimated 16 million lives.
The war engulfed almost all of the world’s greatest powers and redrew the global map.
