Vatican City, Nov 2, 2014 / 09:03 am
In his Angelus address delivered for the Feast of All Souls, Pope Francis called on the faithful to pray for forgotten souls, as well as Christians who have died for their faith and in the service of others over the past year.
"We remember our brothers and sisters killed because they are Christians," he said, and the many "who have sacrificed their lives to serve others."
Addressing the crowds gathered in Saint Peter's Square on Nov. 2 beneath an Autumn sun, the Holy Father also stressed the importance of praying for victims of war and violence, and for the "many 'little ones' crushed by hunger and misery."
Praying for the departed is part of the tradition of the Church, Pope Francis said, especially through the Eucharistic Celebration, which is "the best spiritual help we can give to their souls, especially those who are most abandoned."