Pope: 'Women, bearers of life'. New appeal for peace

The Pope recalls International Women's Day: still "much work" to achieve "equal dignity." Closeness to "Muslim brothers and sisters" for the beginning of Ramadan tonight. Preoccupation with clashes in Haiti: "All kinds of violence cease." Invoked peace for Democratic Republic of Congo, Holy Land and "tormented Ukraine."

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "I would like to address a thought and express my closeness to all women, especially those whose dignity is not respected,"said Pope Francis today, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, at the end of the Angelus recalled March 8, International Women's Rights Day.

His appeal addressed to "social and political institutions," which "have the fundamental duty to protect, to promote, the dignity of every human being", and to offer women, "bearers of life," the possibility of "accepting the gift of life and ensuring worthy care for their children." Bergoglio also recalled the "much work" still needed on the part of all for people "so that the equal dignity of women is concretely recognized."

A thought of closeness was then addressed from the window of the Apostolic Palace, in front of a St. Peter's Square that counted a large presence of faithful, despite the gloomy day, also to the "Muslim brothers and sisters" who begin Ramadan this evening. "I express my closeness to all," said the Bishop of Rome.

In greeting the Catholic community of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which counted a large presence near the Vatican Obelisk, Pope Francis asked for prayers for peace in the country, which has been harassed by clashes between the government army and the M23 armed group in the eastern region of North Kivu.

A call for peace also followed for the "battered Ukraine" and the Holy Land. "Let the hostilities that cause immense suffering to the civilian population cease as soon as possible," Bergoglio said, a day after the airing of an interview with Rsi (Swiss Radio Television) in which he called for Ukraine's "courage of the white flag, to negotiate."

he Holy Father in his address also expressed "concern and sorrow" over the increased violence in Haiti. In the capital city of Port au Prince - a "city under siege," according to a U.N. warning - there have been new clashes and sieges, to institutional and other buildings, at the hands of criminal gangs in recent hours.

"I am close to the Church and to the dear Haitian people, who have been tried by many sufferings for years," he said, bringing attention to the humanitarian crisis sweeping the country.

"I invite you to pray, through the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, that all kinds of violence cease," added the pontiff, who in January had called for the release of six nuns from the Congregation of St. Anne who had been kidnapped in Port au Prince. He then hoped for everyone's contribution "to grow peace and reconciliation" in the Caribbean country, "with the renewed support of the International Community."

It is from the Evangelist John the Gospel of the Day (John 3:14-21) commented on by Pope Francis before the recitation of the Marian prayer. In the passage, Jesus addresses Nicodemus, "a Pharisee," who goes to meet the Messiah "by night, so as not to be seen," having "recognized in Him a teacher sent by God."

Jesus dialogues with Nicodemus and affirms that He was sent into the world not to "condemn," but to "save," Bergoglio stressed, dwelling on the meaning of these actions. Jesus "reads in the heart," the Pope said, "and this ability could be disturbing because, if misused, it harms people, exposing them to merciless judgments." But the Lord uses "the knowledge of our weaknesses" to "embrace our lives, to free us from sins and to save us," he explained.

"The Lord's gaze on each of us is not a blinding beacon that dazzles and puts us in difficulty," the Holy Father continued, stressing that his presence is instead "the gentle glow of a friendly lamp, which helps us to see the good in ourselves and to realize the evil."

"For whoever does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light lest his works be reproved," today's Word indeed reads. By following this light it is possible "to be converted and healed by the support of his grace." As he is wont to do, at the end of the greetings at the conclusion of his speech Bergoglio asked for support in prayer.