Pope urges great world religions to preach non-violence, forgiveness, reconciliation
Vatican City (AsiaNews) Before reciting the traditional Angelus prayer, the Pope spoke about advent, the time of spiritual preparation before Christmas. Recalling the prophets of advent (those of Jewish ancestry including John the Baptist, the latter held in high regard also by Muslims), John Paul II launched an appeal to prepare for the Christmas season with "peace in our hearts" and "peace throughout the world". Referring then to the violent events in the Middle East and the African continent, the Pope asked heads of the world's great religions to unite "efforts in preaching non-violence, forgiveness and reconciliation."
Below is the Pope's message given prior to the Angelus:
"My dear brothers and sisters!
The time has arrived for the season of advent, a journey of spiritual renewal in preparation for Christmas. The voices of the prophets resound in the words of the liturgy, in those announcing the coming of the Messiah and urging the conversion of our hearts and calling us to prayer. The last of the prophets, the greatest of all, was John the Baptist who harked: "Prepare for the coming of the Lord! (Lc, 3,4), as He "will come visit his people in peace."
Christ, the Prince of Peace, is coming. Preparing ourselves for Christmas means reawakening the hope for peace inside ourselves and throughout the world above all, the peace in our hearts built by laying to rest the armaments of grudges, revenge and every form of selfishness.
The world is in great need of this peace! I especially and sorrowfully recall the latest episodes of violence in the Middle East and on the African continent as well as those which the media records in so many other parts on earth. I renew my appeal to all leaders of the world's great religions to join efforts in preaching non-violence, forgiveness and reconciliation. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (Mt 5,5)
During this advent journey of expectation and hope, the Church community identifies herself more than ever with the Most Holy Virgin Mary. May she, the patron Virgin of those in waiting, aid us in opening our hearts to Him who, by coming among us, brings us the invaluable gift of peace to all humanity."
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