June 6 marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, one of the defining points of the Second World War as Allied forces invaded Europe for the final push to victory over Hitler.

There’s a sense of critical urgency about marking the 75th anniversary of the June 6, 1944 D-Day invasion of Normandy. 

It’s an urgency born of the practical fact of life that the surviving combatants being feted for their heroism during what became the liberation of France, and ultimately Europe, are extremely unlikely to be on Earth for an 80th commemoration.

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina - To overcome fear, discrimination and conflict, people must have a deep desire to open themselves up to God and his mercy, and work actively for peace every day, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY - People must continue to recognize the sacrifice of the Allied soldiers who liberated Europe from "Nazi barbarism," but also should not forget the German soldiers "dragged into this drama," Pope Francis said.