At the Angelus, Pope Franciscalled on the international community to revive talks between the parties in Yemen, where a humanitarian catastrophe is underway due to war.

He also focused attention on World Refugee Day, which falls on 20 June. He explained the parables of the "mysterious growth of the seed" and the "mustard seed".

He called for prayers for the people of Venezuela on the occasion of the beatification of Maria Carmen Rendiles Martinez in Caracas.

Pope Francis today mentioned a number of issues after the Angelus prayer together with the pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square. In his address, he called for peace in Yemen, where a "humanitarian catastrophe" is underway;

Despite international protests about the dire humanitarian conditions in the port city of Hodeidah, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates,  and forces loyal to former fugitive president, Mansour Hadi, launch a fierce and brutal ground and air offensive on Hodeidah last Wednesday, seemingly unconcerned about world public opinion  and the disastrous effect of fighting on the civilian populaltion of the city.

Hodeidah is in Western Yemen, and so far government forces and popular Ansarollah forces have successfully defended the port  against the Saudi-led aggression.

Hodeidah, a port on the Red Sea , is the only entry point for much-needed food, medicines, and other humanitarian relief aid into Yemen.