Pope reaffirms closeness to people of Emilia Romagna

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 21 - Pope Francis on Sunday renewed his support for the population of Emilia Romagna hit by the flooding and landslide emergency in which 14 people are known to have died.
    "I renew my heartfelt closeness to the people of Emilia Romagna, who have been struck by floods in recent days," said the pope at the Regina Caeli blessing in St Peter's Square.
    He also urged the faithful not to become used to conflict and violence.
    "Let us not get used to war, please. And let us continue to stand by the martyred people of Ukraine," said Francis.
    The pope also recalled the conflict in Sudan, where fighting between rival generals has displaced over 843,000 people inside the country and forced almost 250,000 to flee across international borders according to United Nations agencies.
    "It is sad, but one month after the outbreak of violence in Sudan, the situation continues to be serious," Francis said.
    "While encouraging the partial agreements reached so far, I renew a heartfelt appeal for the laying down of arms. And I ask the international community to spare no effort to make dialogue prevail and alleviate the suffering of the population," he concluded. (ANSA).