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| Pope Francis marked World Aids Day, calling for an access to cure and medication for everyone.(SABC) |
Pope Francis appealed for world peace and expressed his closeness
to those suffering from HIV/AIDS in an address to a large crowd in St. Peter's
Square in the Vatican on Sunday.
The crowds cheered and waved as Pope Francis
appeared in the window of the papal apartments overlooking the square.
In his remarks ahead of his weekly Angelus
prayer, Francis cited Prophet Isaiah's words "and they shall beat their
swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not
lift up sword, against nation, neither shall they learn war any more ".
He then went off script as he mused over the
possibility of peace in the world.
"When will this happen? What a beautiful
day it will be when weapons will be dismantled and transformed into instruments
for work," he said.
"What a beautiful day that will be and
it is possible. Let's bet on hope, the hope for peace and it will be
possible."
The pope also marked World Aids Day, calling
for an access to cure and medication for everyone.
"Today marks the World Day for the fight
against HIV / AIDS. Let us express our closeness to the people who are
affected, especially children, a closeness that is very real in the silent
commitment of many missionaries and workers. Let us pray for everyone,
including the doctors and the researchers. May every sick person, without
exceptions, have access to the care they need."
Francis, gearing up for his first Christmas
as pope, is due to visit the Roman parish of San Cirillo Alessandrino on Sunday
evening where he will conduct mass.
