Pope: humanitarian law must be respected in Gaza
Francis made a new appeal at the Angelus, calling again for the release of the hostages. He warned that “already many have died. Please, let no more innocent blood be shed”. He urged the faithful around the world to take part in the day of prayer and fasting called by the Church of the Holy Land for Tuesday, 17 October. On Nagorno Karabakh, the pontiff urged local authorities and population to respect monasteries and places of worship, “sign of a fraternity that makes it possible to live together despite differences.”
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis today issued a new appeal at the end of the Angelus recited in front of the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square. In it, he called for the release of hostages taken by Hamas but also respect for humanitarian law in Gaza
"I continue to follow with great sorrow what is happening in Israel and Palestine," the pontiff said. Seven days ago and at Wednesday's general audience, he had already raised his cry for peace in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.
“I think again of the many,” he said, “in particular of the children and the elderly. I renew my appeal for the freeing of the hostages and I strongly ask that children, the sick, the elderly, women, and all civilians not be made victims of the conflict. Humanitarian law is to be respected, especially in Gaza, where it is urgent and necessary to ensure humanitarian corridors and to come to the aid of the entire population.
“Brothers and sisters, already many have died. Please, let no more innocent blood be shed, neither in the Holy Land nor in Ukraine, nor in any other place! Enough! Wars are always a defeat, always!”
Francis addressed the faithful around the world, urging them to join the Church of the Holy Land for the day of fasting and prayer called for Tuesday, 17 October. “Prayer is the meek and holy force to oppose the diabolical force of hatred, terrorism and war,” he said.
Along with his plea for the Holy Land, the pontiff renewed his appeal for Nagorno Karabakh, the region at the centre of a dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia where a few weeks ago, a military action by Azerbaijani forces liquidated the self-proclaimed republic of Artsakh, sparking an almost total exodus of the local Armenian population.
“In addition to the humanitarian situation of the displaced people – which is serious – I would also like to make a special appeal for the protection of the monasteries and places of worship in the region.
“I hope that, starting with the Authorities and all the inhabitants, they can be respected and protected as part of the local culture, expressions of faith and a sign of a fraternity that makes it possible to live together despite differences.”
In his address, Francis expressed closeness to the Jewish community of Rome, which tomorrow marks the 80th anniversary of the Nazi raid and deportation during the Second World War. Likewise, the pope spoke about the apostolic exhortation "C'est la confiance" published today on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church and patroness of missions.
Before the Angelus prayer, commenting on the Gospel passage in which Jesus speaks of the Father comparing him to a king who prepares a wedding banquet for his son (cf. Mt 22:1-14) - Francis urged believers to see themselves again as “invited by God”.
The Father “calls us to stay with him, leaving us the possibility to accept, or not accept, the invitation. He does not propose to us a relationship of subjection, but rather of fatherhood and sonship, which is necessarily conditioned by our free assent.”
Even in the face of the rejection of those who think only of their own things, “He does not give up, he continues to invite; indeed, he extends the invitation, until he finds those who accept, among the poor.”
In light of this, “Let us ask ourselves: how do I respond to God’s invitations? What space do I give him in my days? Does the quality of my life depend on my affairs and my free time, or on love for the Lord and for my brethren, especially those most in need?”
In concluding, Francis said: “May Mary, who with her ‘yes’ made room for God, help us not to be deaf to his invitations.”
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08/10/2020 09:11
