VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis called once more for peace and an end to the suffering of people in Ukraine and the Holy Land during his general audience on Wednesday.

 The pontiff, who did not read the catechism this week due to still suffering from a “slight cold”, called for peace during his appeals. He urged worshipers to pray for “people who suffer the horror of war in Ukraine and in the Holy Land as well as other parts of the world.”

 The pope said his thoughts went out to the young, the sick, the elderly and the newly wed. He encouraged pilgrims to continue their Lenten journey with “courage” and return wholeheartedly to God.

 The catechism focused on the sin of vice, which the pontiff described as “difficult to overcome” but that God “humbles the proud and exalts the lowly.” He reminded worshippers to embrace humility during Lent in order to “draw ever closer to God.”

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