At the end of the General Audience at the Vatican, Pope Francis called everyone to remember the consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary made on March 25, 2022, and asked the faithful not to forget the sufferings of Ukraine. 

Newsroom (22/03/2023, 08:50, Gaudium Press)  On the occasion of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord 2022, Pope Francis in communion with the Bishops of the whole world consecrated the Church and humanity, particularly Ukraine and Russia, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the Holy Father addressed the faithful present at the General Audience recalling the consecration of the previous year and asking them not to forget the sufferings of Ukraine. “Let us never tire of entrusting the cause of peace to the Queen of Peace,” Francis said.

The Pope expressed the wish that the solemn act of consecration could be repeated every year on the same date, in the hope that the conflict will end and peace will be established.

Francis addressed prayer groups and communities of the faithful, asking them to renew the solemn act of consecration to the Immaculate Heart on Saturday, March 25.

At the Angelus on March 12, the Holy Father had already recalled the solemn consecration and asked for the “gift of peace” as he relaunched the 24 hours for the Lord.

“May our trust not fail, may our hope not waver! The Lord always hears the supplications that his people address to him through the intercession of the Virgin Mother. Let us remain united in faith and solidarity with our brothers who suffer because of the war; above all, let us not forget the martyred Ukrainian people!

Compiled by Florence MacDonald