Pope on Mideast crisis: Targeted hits only generate more hate and calls for vengeance
At the Angelus, Francis expressed concern for the possible widening of the conflict after Hamas political bureau chief is killed in Tehran. The pontiff also called for “justice and truth” in connection with the deadly Beirut Port explosion. His prayers and expression of closeness also go to floods victims in the Indian state of Kerala.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – In his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Francis said that “Attacks, even targeted ones, and killings can never be a solution. They do not help to walk in the path of justice, the path of peace, but generate even more hatred and revenge.”
While the Middle East crisis is coming dangerously close to a wider conflict after Israel killed Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’s political bureau, in Tehran, and, Fuad Shukr, one of Hezbollah’s foremost military commanders, in Beirut, Pope Francis clearly expressed his opposition to this path at the end of the Angelus, urging all parties to stop.
"I pray for all the victims, especially for innocent children," the pontiff said, a reference to the Druze community in the Holy Land, after last week’s deadly attack in Majdal Shams, a Druze town in the Golan Heights.
The pope extended his “sympathy to the Druze community in the Holy Land and the populations in Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon.” In another reference to an Asian country at wear, he said: “Let us not forget Myanmar.”
Likewise, “Let us have the courage to resume dialogue so that there is an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and on all fronts, the hostages are freed, and the people are helped with humanitarian aid.”
In a heartfelt appeal, Francis said: “Enough, brothers and sisters! Enough! Do not stifle the word of the God of Peace, but let it be the future of the Holy Land, the Middle East and the entire world! War is a defeat!”
The pope also mentioned Patriarch Istifan (Estephan) al-Duwayhi, who was beatified on Friday in Lebanon. “A teacher of the faith and an attentive pastor, he was a witness of hope always close to the people.”
“Even today, the Lebanese people suffer so much! In particular, I think of the families of the victims of the explosion at the Port of Beirut. I hope that justice and truth will soon be done. May the new Blessed sustain the faith and hope of the Church in Lebanon, and intercede for this beloved country.”
Today is in fact the fourth anniversary of the Beirut Port explosion that cost the lives of more than 200 people in 2020. The tragedy has been compounded by the fact that Hezbollah is hindering the quest for the truth about happened since accusations have been made against the Shia movement for turning a warehouse in the port into an explosive depot.
In addition to the situation in the Middle East, Francis also expressed concern about the "critical situation" in Venezuela.
“I make a heartfelt appeal to all parties to seek the truth, to exercise restraint, to avoid any kind of violence, to settle disputes through dialogue, to have at heart the true good of the people and not partisan interests.”
The pontiff then expressed his closeness to the people of the Indian State of Kerala, severely affected by torrential rains and landslides that killed and displaced hundreds of people.
“I invite you to join me in my prayers for those who have lost their lives and for all those affected by such a devastating calamity,” Francis told the faithful.
Before the Marian prayer, the pope gave his thoughts on the Gospel passage in today's liturgy, in which Jesus reflects with the disciples on the meaning of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes.
“Material things do not give fullness to life,” Francis said. “They help us go forward and are important, but they do not fulfill our lives. Only love can do that (cf. Jn 6:35). And for this to happen, the path to take is that of charity which keeps nothing for itself, but shares everything. Love shares everything.
Citing the experience of families – “How sad [. . .] when they fight over inheritance,” the pope urged the faithful to ask themselves: “What kind of relationship do I have with material things? Am I a slave to them, or do I use them freely as instruments to give and receive love?”
Finally, citing today's liturgical memory of the Curé d’Ars, which in some countries is also the "feast of the parish priest," Francis expressed his closeness and gratitude "to all those parish priests who with zeal and generosity, at times amidst much suffering, offer themselves for God and the people.”
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07/02/2019 17:28
