The Immaculate Heart of Mary will triumph

The message of Our Lady of Fatima is not intended to satisfy apocalyptic curiosities about the end of the world, but launches a heartfelt appeal for conversion so that humanity may be saved from the selfishness that destroys. At a time marked by devastating wars, Pope Francis will consecrate Russia

By Sergio Centofanti

"In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph!"  These were the words of Our Lady to the shepherd children of Fatima over 100 years ago, words that give hope in the midst of the clamour of wars. On March 25, Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. At Wednesday’s General Audience, he prayed intensely for peace: "Lord Jesus, who died in a mother’s arms in a bunker in Kharkiv, have mercy on us… Stop the hand of Cain!”  The meekness of prayer overcomes the arrogance of evil.

But even today there are so many wars in the world, often forgotten: in Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia... In Ukraine, the Russian army continues to bomb civilians, refugees, simple people queuing to buy bread; houses, hospitals and churches are hit and devastated.   In the bombing of the paediatric hospital in Mariupol, a pregnant woman died with her baby. Wars cause suffering and devastation everywhere.