Francis message for the 52nd World Day of Peace. In “a climate of mistrust rooted in the fear of others or of strangers, or anxiety about one’s personal security ", "our societies need “artisans of peace” who can be messengers and authentic witnesses of God the Father, who wills the good and the happiness of the human family ".
Saudi arms race threatens the Middle East
| SAUDI ARABIA – MIDDLE EASTProtests, led by Communist Party, destined to continue and increase. In imitation of the "yellow vests", the demonstrators wore red scarves and sang anticorruption slogans and chants, as well as against the lack of public services and the growing debts. The internal divisions on Syria weigh on the political scene.
The new Church in Kiev fulfills a dream already attempted in 1919, blocked by Soviet events. A victory for Filaret, patriarch of Kiev, excommunicated by Moscow. Poroshenko hopes to be re-elected, having become the protector of the national Church. The only defeated is Kirill, the patriarch of Moscow. Fears of clashes between the faithful, priests and bishops linked to Kiev or Moscow.
During the Angelus Pope Francis commented on the liturgical readings of Gaudete Sunday. “In a remote village in the Galilee, in the heart of a young woman unknown to the world, God ignited the spark of happiness for the whole world. And today the same proclamation is addressed to the Church,” he said. “No concern, no fear shall ever take away the serenity that comes from knowing that God lovingly guides our lives, always.” The pontiff urged the international community to implement the directives of the Marrakech conference on migration. He also mentioned the blessing of the Little Children (Bambinelli) brought by the children of Rome.
As days of protest against austerity draw hundreds, security forces show an iron fist. The crisis highlights the country’s weak political institutions. Some fear criminal and jihadist infiltrations. The political class must be renewed and economic and social reforms must be implemented.
Receiving the artists who will perform at the Christmas concert at the Vatican, Francis said that "networking with education means allowing people to get up on their feet, to get back on their feet with full dignity" and it is also "a valid solution to open the gates of the refugee camps, allowing young migrants to enter new societies".
Russian Orthodox believers have doubts about participating in the Masses of the Patriarch of Constantinople, after the excommunication launched by Moscow. For Bartholomew "it is inadmissible to use the interruption of Eucharistic communion as an instrument to impose one's own opinions". Orthodox bishops must take care of all ethnic groups: "Greek, Russian, Ukrainian, Romanian and so on".
Overnight, a double Senate vote struck a blow to the White House's foreign policy. The Senate has "unanimously" established that bin Salman is involved in the death of the dissident journalist. And the majority want to stop military support of Riyadh. Trump determined to push ahead; parliamentarians promise battle.
In a message to a conference promoted by FAO, Francis notes that in many places "water is contaminated, garbage accumulates, deforestation progresses, the air is stale and the soil acidified. All this generates a harmful accumulation of evils and miseries."
Prayers, meetings and confessions are scheduled for Advent. The Bahrain cathedral is essential to meet the needs of Catholics in Saudi Arabia as well. Social and confessional relations are developing slowly. Pope Francis's visit is a source of "encouragement" for the region’s Christians despite some issues.
