"From this island of the Mediterranean, we raise a plea for peace: peace for all the lands that face this sea, especially for the Holy Land where Mary gave birth to Jesus," said Pope Francis before the recitation of the Angelus Prayer on Sunday.

Addressing the bishops, clergy and religious of the French island of Corsica where he is spending the day to participate in a Conference, celebrate Holy Mass and meet with the faithful, the Pope raised his urgent and tireless plea for the war-torn countries of the globe.

"Peace for Palestine, for Israel, for Lebanon, for Syria, for the entire Middle East! Peace in tormented Myanmar,” he prayed.

And raising his prayers to “the Holy Mother of God" for "the long-awaited peace for the Ukrainian people and the Russian people,” he said: "They are brothers, cousins. Let them come to an understanding! War is always a defeat. Peace to the whole world!"

The Pope also asked for prayers for the victims of a cyclone that struck the Mayotte archipelago in the past hours.

“I am spiritually close to those who have been affected by this tragedy,” he said.

At least 11 people were killed overnight on Saturday after a cyclone slammed into Mayotte, the most intense storm to hit the French Indian Ocean archipelago north of Madagascar in nearly a century.

Cyclone Chido swept through Mayotte bringing winds of more than 200 kph and damaging makeshift housing, government buildings and a hospital.

On the other hand, Corsica's bishops, priests, deacons, religious and seminarians gathered in Corsica's Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption on Sunday, January 15, to join Pope Francis in the recitation of the Angelus Prayer. 

Addressing the group of religious in what was the second event of his one-day Apostolic Journey to the French island, Pope Francis thanked those present for their daily efforts, even amidst challenges. 

Among these challenges, the Pope recognized the struggle of spreading the Gospel today in Europe, where resources are few, numbers are small and society is often indifferent. However, Pope Francis described this 'poverty' as a blessing as “it strips us of the pretense that we succeed by our own efforts". In this way, he reminded all those present that it is not about “me” but about God. This humility, he stressed, keeps the focus on Christ, who works through what we offer.

He then urged each person present to ask themselves: How am I living my priesthood, my consecration, my life as a disciple?

The Pope then went on to invite those gathered to focus on two types of care: care for oneself and care for others.

In reminding people to care for themselves, Pope Francis described the religious vocation as not being a one-time “yes” but rather a daily renewal. “There is no living off the Lord,” he warned and emphasized the need for Eucharistic celebration and for moments of silence. He also spoke of the importance of balancing life well, so as not to burnout. You need time for rest, dialogue, and even personal interests, he said, adding that fraternity, too, is vital.

Speaking then of the people they serve, Pope Francis quoted St Paul, who said “I will most gladly spend and be spent for you”. Evangelization, the Pope noted, requires faith, creativity, and courage to reassess old methods and embrace new ways to meet people where they are. But above all, he added, it is about encounter - bringing Christ's hope to the suffering, the lost and all those who yearn for meaning. This means embracing compassion and forgiveness, particularly in the sacrament of reconciliation.

Speaking of forgiveness the Pope urged, “Please, forgive always. Forgive everything and always.” He recalled the words of a wise cardinal who advised priests never to ask too many questions, urging them to, “if someone stammers in shame, say: ‘Fine, I’ve understood. Let’s move on.’" Always forgive! the Pope repeated, noting that forgiveness reflects God’s own heart.

“In 55 years as a priest, I have never denied absolution. I love confessing. I have always sought to forgive", he said. 

Bringing his address to a close, Pope Francis invoked the Virgin Mary's or "Madunnuccia" as she is known in the region, before leading the congregation in the recitation of the Marian Prayer.