At a commemoration for the centenary of World War I, held at Italy’s largest military cemetery, Pope Francis condemned war and its impact on the world.
World War I ended disastrously for the Italians who died for their country and lost other valuable assets. Italy joined forces with Germany and Austria-Hungary only to be cheated with some form of settlement at Versailles at the end of the war.
According to BBC World News, Pope Francis holds a significant personal tie to the Italian history and involvement in World War I because his grandfather survived the battle between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1917 and 1918.
Recent ISIS attacks in regions of Iraq and Syria prompted Pope Francis to denounce the terrorist organization’s aggression which results in the sacrifice of thousands of Iraqi and Syrian people across Iraq and Syria. Pope Francis explained that a “World War III” may well be the result of tensions and terrors, especially ISIS.
Sarina deSousa
Business Manager
sdesousa2@ucmerced.edu