A year after the attack perpetrated by Hamas against Israel, Pope Francis sent a letter to Catholics in the Middle East, assuring them of his prayers. As he often does, the Holy Father insisted that “the war is a defeat”, but that “years and years of conflict seem to have taught us nothing”.
Francis described Catholics in the Middle East as “a small, defenseless flock, thirsty for peace” and thanked them for their willingness to stay on their land, as well as their ability “to pray and love despite everything.”
“You are a seed loved by God,” the pope told them, encouraging them not to let themselves “be swallowed up by the darkness that surrounds you.” The sovereign pontiff invited Catholics living in these war zones to be “sprouts of hope”, to “bear witness to love in the midst of words of hatred” and to promote “encounter in the midst of confrontation” .
In his message, Pope Francis reiterated that “as Christians, we must never tire of imploring God’s peace.” This is precisely the reason for the day of prayer and fasting that he called last week for October 7. “Prayer and fasting,” explained the sovereign pontiff, “are the weapons of love that change history, the weapons that defeat our only true enemy: the spirit of evil that foments war.
The Pope joins in the pain of all
Furthermore, the Pope showed his closeness to all people living in the Middle East, regardless of their religious faith. Francis addresses his affection to “mothers who cry”, to “those who have been forced to leave their homes”, to “those who are afraid to look up because of the fire that rains from the sky” and to “those who thirst of peace and justice.”
The Holy Father also took advantage of this letter to thank the “sons and daughters of peace for their work of consoling the heart of God, wounded by the evil of humanity.” He also thanked the “bishops and priests, who bring God’s consolation to those who feel alone and abandoned.” He addressed a request to them: “look upon the holy people whom you are called to serve and let your hearts be moved, putting aside, for the good of your flock, all division and ambition.”
The Pope concluded his message by asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary, “Queen of Peace” and of Saint Joseph, “Patron of the Church”.
