Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Francis has said the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day landings were an opportunity for present generations to show gratitude for the ‘heavy sacrifice’ of soldiers who landed on the beaches of Normandy to fight against ‘Nazi barbarism’ and free occupied France during the Second World War.

He also states that it should serve as a reminder that excluding God from the lives of people and societies can bring nothing but death and suffering. The Holy Father further calls on the people of Europe to find their roots and future hopes in the Gospel of Christ.

The Holy Father’s words are contained in a message signed by his Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to the Catholic Church in France on the occasion of a prayer service for the 70th anniversary of World War II’s Normandy landings, according to Vatican Radio.

On June 5, 1944, around 156,000 Allied troops, landed on Normandy’s beaches in one of the Second World War’s key turning points. Between 2500 and 4000 Allied troops are thought to have died the next day.

In the message, Pope Francis pays tribute to these soldiers. He also writes that he does not forget the German soldiers dragged into this drama, like all victims of war. As many as 9000 Germans are also estimated to have lost their lives.

Pope Francis states that present generations should express their full gratitude to all those who made such a heavy sacrifice. He also writes that by educating future generations to respect all men and women created in the image of God and passing down memories to them, it is possible to hope for a better future.

In conclusion, the Pope entrusts to the path of peace to the protection of St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross—co-patron of Europe—and the Virgin Mary.

Pope Francis has also announced that on September 13, he will mark the centenary of the First World War by going to the military shrine of Redipuglia, in the Italian province of Gorizia, to pray for those who have died in all wars. marking the bicentennial of their founding.

– Read the full version of this story in June 13 edition of the SCO.

Pic: Britain’s Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, and wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, are greeted by Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois of Paris as they arrive June 6 for a British D-Day commemoration ceremony at the Bayeux Cathedral in Bayeux, France