Pope: for Christians there is a 'white martyrdom' in democratic countries

"The dramatic situation of Christians who are persecuted and killed in ever-increasing numbers is in front of the whole world - which too often turns its gaze away. In addition to their blood martyrdom, there is also their 'white martyrdom' which occurs in democratic countries when freedom of religion is limited. And this is the daily white martyrdom of the Church in those places ".

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - For Christians alongside the martyrdom of blood there is a "white martyrdom", which "occurs in democratic countries when freedom of religion is restricted," Pope Francis denounced today in his address to the participants in the Consulta of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, received this morning in the Clementine Hall.

The group are gathered for their five-year consultation and in this light the Pope recommended they carry forward the testimony of the goodness with which God loves everyone and to help the persecuted Christians "in ever-increasing numbers".

First of all, Francis thanked the knights "for the many spiritual and charitable activities that you carry out for the benefit of the people of the Holy Land".

Addressing the Grand Master Card. Edwin O'Brien, and the pro-gran prior, Msgr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Pope underlined the profuse commitment to face the refugee crisis "that in the last five years has led the Church to provide a significant humanitarian response throughout the region". 

And it is a good sign that schools and hospitals of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher are open to all, regardless of the communities they belong to and the religion they profess. "In this way you help to pave the way to the knowledge of Christian values, to the promotion of interreligious dialogue, mutual respect and mutual understanding. In other words, with your meritorious commitment, you too give your contribution to the construction of the path that will lead, we all hope, to the achievement of peace throughout the region ".

The growth of the Order in recent times, said Francis, depends on the incessant commitment of local leaders or lieutenants present in over 30 nations of the world. A development that is however linked to the main purpose of the Knights: their own spiritual growth. Therefore, adequate religious formation programs are necessary for every knight and dame, starting from the example of the spiritual life of the leaders. "As far as your mission in the world is concerned, do not forget that you are not a philanthropic agency committed to promoting the material and social improvement of the recipients. You are called to place the evangelical love of your neighbor as the final aim of your works, to witness everywhere the goodness and care with which God loves everyone ".

It is in fact the task of bishops, priests and deacons admitted to the Order to assist knights with moments of community and liturgical prayer and catechesis.

Francis then recalled the tragedy of persecuted Christians. "The dramatic situation of Christians who are persecuted and killed in ever-increasing numbers is in front of the whole world - which too often turns its gaze away. In addition to their blood martyrdom, there is also their 'white martyrdom' which occurs in democratic countries when freedom of religion is limited. And this is the daily white martyrdom of the Church in those places ".

The Pope then urged the knights "to always associate the prayer, to constantly invoke Our Lady, whom you venerate with the title of 'Our Lady of Palestine'" to the work of material aid to the populations. Finally, Francis announced the blessing of the icon of Our Lady of Persecuted Christians, which the knights will bring in all the Lieutenancies to accompany them on their journey. And in the final prayer he invoked the special blessing of Mary for the Church in the Holy Land and in the Middle East, "together with her special intercession for those whose life and freedom are in danger".