Pope: Church is "close" to "our brothers and sisters in Syria and Iraq"
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The Church is "close" to "our brothers and sisters in Syria and Iraq," and "to the beloved people of Ukraine in the critical situation in which they find themselves," said Pope Francis in his address to the members of the "Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches" (ROACO).
"Peace," the pope noted as he recalled his pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the olive tree planted in the Vatican Gardens together with the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Presidents of Israel and Palestine, "is secure and enduring only because it is cultivated by many hands. Those who would cultivate the plant of peace must never forget that God alone gives the growth. True peace, the peace which the world cannot give, is a gift to us from Jesus Christ. For all the grievous attacks it endures today, peace can always flourish again."
"First among those called to be peacemakers are our brothers and sisters of the Oriental Churches, together with their pastors," the pontiff said. "Hoping at times against all hope, remaining in the place of their birth where the Gospel of the incarnate Son of God was first proclaimed, may they experience the blessedness reserved to those who are peacemakers: 'they will be called children of God' (Mt 5:9)."
May "they always feel the support of the universal Church and never falter in their conviction that the fire of Pentecost, the power of Love, can halt the fire of arms, hatred and vengeance. Their tears and their anguish are ours, as well as their hope! We can express this through our solidarity, if it is one which is concrete and effective, capable of ensuring that the international community upholds the rights of individuals and peoples."
"In a special way, I join you in telling our brothers and sisters in Syria and Iraq, their bishops and priests, that the Catholic Church is close to them. The Church is likewise close to our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land and the Middle East, but also to the beloved people of Ukraine in the critical situation in which they find themselves, and to the people of Romania."
"I urge you to continue your generous efforts to help them. Your works of relief and assistance in nations most affected by these crises respond to basic needs, particularly of those who are powerless and most vulnerable, as well as the many young people tempted to leave their homeland. And since communities of Eastern Christians are present worldwide, you are working everywhere to bring relief to the displaced and to refugees, restoring their dignity and their security in full respect for their identity and religious freedom."
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