Let’s pray for peace and for the victims of war and climate change

We pray for all those affected by climate change. In recent years, we have witnessed extreme weather conditions across the globe. Two weeks ago, two landslides in Ethiopia claimed around 257 lives, with the death toll potentially rising. In Manila, half a million people were evacuated, and 21 lost their lives after Typhoon Gaemi wreaked havoc, causing widespread destruction and capsizing a tanker, leading to a massive oil spill. In Kerala, India, landslides have killed 196 people, with 200 still missing and 9,000 evacuated. Mud and water struck several towns at 2 a.m., while people were sleeping. Hurricane Debby hit Florida on Monday, killing at least four people and destroying several infrastructures. The hurricane caused flash flooding, forcing the evacuation of people from some tourist areas. Droughts in several places, particularly in Mediterranean countries, are fueling wildfires that are devastating flora and fauna, forcing people to flee. Let’s keep working to protect our Mother Earth, and may God grant us the sensitivity to care for both people and the planet.

Let us pray for all the countries experiencing severe unrest and protests. Following Nicolás Maduro’s re-election in Venezuela, citizens have denounced a lack of transparency and alleged fraud, leading to street protests, unofficial detentions, and heavy police repression. Twenty-four people have died during the unrest. In the UK, far-right riots erupted last week after three young girls were killed in a knife attack in Southport. Misinformation online falsely identified the suspect as an Islamist migrant, sparking attacks on immigration centers and mosques. Police and security forces were deployed to control the situation, while some citizens participated in peaceful counter-marches to support the UK’s multicultural society. In Nigeria, protests against the high cost of living and "bad governance" aimed at addressing insecurity, corruption, and economic issues have led to seven deaths and 700 arrests. May God grant wisdom to both the people and their leaders to overcome hatred and seek peaceful solutions for all.

We thank God for the incredible efforts to support girls and young women worldwide. Jamila Mayanja, a Ugandan entrepreneur and founder of the Smart Girls Foundation, created the Solar Smart Bag—a waterproof backpack with a solar panel to charge a lamp, reusable sanitary pads, a menstrual hygiene booklet, and a sewing kit. This innovation helps girls in rural Uganda manage their periods, study at night without harmful kerosene lamps, and attend school regularly. Made from recycled plastic, the bag also supports a circular economy and a sustainable future. Its impact is profound, improving academic performance, keeping girls in school, breaking the cycle of poverty, and empowering young women as community leaders. Mayanja’s work addresses the educational barriers many girls face due to menstruation. Her innovation has earned international awards and support from organizations, enabling her to reach more girls in Uganda and neighboring countries.