Four people died yesterday, including a 15-year-old boy. Thousands of wounded aggravate the situation in Gaza hospitals. Israeli NGO warns that the wounded risk amputation. Israel accuses Hamas of exploiting the Palestinian people and slams the use of kites to drop firebombs. Protests will continue until 15 May.
Francis launches fresh appeal for Alfie Evans and Vincent Lambert. Baptism "is the beginning of a process that allows one to live united to Christ in the Church". This is why it is important to remember the day of our baptism and to teach children to make the sign of the cross well. Encouragement for the World Bank to promotes the life of the poor through financial inclusion.
"Let us refresh our memory: there are two questions. What did Jesus do for me, in my life, out of love? And seeing this, what do I do for Jesus, how do I respond to this love. And so we will be able to purify our faith from all self-interest ".
At the Regina Caeli, Pope Francis calls for greater commitment from the international community for a joint action for peace in Syria. He also asks that Alfie, who is suffering from a degenerative disease and whom doctors want to deny basic care, "be" cared for according to his condition, with the agreement of family members, doctors and other health workers". "" Every offense or wound or violence to the body of our neighbor is an outrage to God the creator! My thoughts go, in particular, to children, women, the elderly whose bodies are mistreated". A martyr beatified in Madagascar.
The Patriarch of Moscow had a long phone call with the Pontiff, following the missile attacks by the US, France and Great Britain. The dialogue was attended to Bartholomew of Constantinople, Theophilus of Jerusalem, Theodore of Alexandria and John of Antioch. Contacts with the press, to communicate the initiatives of the Church leaders.
At least 100 missiles launched overnight on Damascus and Homs. No victims so far. The attack is justified by 'evidence' of the use of chemical weapons by Damascus. Russia accuses the British secret services of staging the Douma attack. The UN Secretary General pleads with all involved to avoid the escalation of the conflict.
"Do I possess Christian freedom? Am I free, or am I a slave to my passions, ambitions, riches, or passing fancies? It seems like a joke, but many people are slaves to fashion! … Let us reflect on our freedom in the midst of a ‘schizophrenic’ world. It shouts ‘Freedom, Freedom, Freedom!’ but is really a slave. Let us reflect on the freedom that God gives us in Jesus.”
The church of the village of Hutuo has been reduced to a pile of ruins; the tomb of the bishop of Luoyang, not recognized by the government, was desecrated; children are forbidden to enter churches; threats against Catholic parents and seniors: if they continue to believe they will not receive government subsidies or pensions.
The South Korean Church is praying for the success of the event, looking forward to "concrete" solutions to the peninsula’s problems. Hope was reborn with the Olympics. People are waiting for a message from Pope Francis.
A harsh exchange between Russia and the United States at the UN. Trump speaks of possible intervention, with the support of London and Paris. Moscow denounces the "campaign of aggression" against a sovereign state. Msgr. Georges Abou Khazen: "there are no certainties" on the Douma attack. The prayers of Christians for peace in the country.
