War dehumanizes and leads to toleration of unacceptable crimes

During the Angelus on Sunday, 17 November, Pope Francis invited the faithful to pray for peace in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar and Sudan. “War dehumanizes us, it induces us to tolerate unacceptable crimes”, he warned. The following is a translation of the Holy Father’s words to those gathered in Saint Peter’s Square.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Happy Sunday!

In the Gospel of today’s liturgy, Jesus describes a great tribulation: “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light” (Mk 13:24). Faced with this suffering, many might think of the end of the world, but the Lord seizes the opportunity to offer a different interpretation, saying: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Mk 13:31).

We can take a closer look at this expression: what will pass and what will remain.

First of all, what will pass. In some circumstances in our life, when we are going through a crisis or experience some failure, as well as when we see around us the pain caused by wars, violence, natural disasters, we have the feeling that everything is coming to an end, and we feel that even the most beautiful things pass away. Crises and failures, however, though painful, are important, because they teach us to accord everything its due weight, not to attach our heart to the realities of this world, because they will pass: they are destined to fade away.

At the same time, Jesus talks about what will remain. Everything passes away, but His words will not pass away: Jesus’ words will remain for eternity. He thus invites us to trust in the Gospel, which contains a promise of salvation and eternity, and not to live under the anguish of death. For while everything passes away, Christ remains. In Him, in Christ, we shall one day find again the things and people who have passed away and who have accompanied us in our earthly existence. In the light of this promise of resurrection, every reality takes on a new meaning: everything dies and we too will one day die, but we will lose nothing of what we have built and loved, because death will be the beginning of a new life.

Brothers and sisters, even in tribulations, in crises, in failures, the Gospel invites us to look at life and history without fear of losing what ends, but with joy for what remains. Let us not forget that God is preparing for us a future of life and joy.

And so, let us ask ourselves: are we attached to earthly things, which pass away, which pass quickly, or to the words of the Lord, which remain and guide us towards eternity? Let us ask ourselves this question, please. It will help us.

And let us pray to the Blessed Virgin, who entrusted herself totally to the Word of God, so that she may intercede for us.

After praying the Angelus, the Holy Father continued:

Dear brothers and sisters, yesterday in Shkodra, two martyrs were beatified: Luigi Palić, priest of the Order of Friars Minor, and Gjon Gazulli, diocesan priest, victims of the religious persecution of the 20th century. And today, in Freiburg im Breisgau another martyr was beatified, the priest Max Josef Metzger, founder of the Secular Institute of Christ the King, opposed by Nazism for his religious commitment in favour of peace. May the example of these martyrs comfort so many Christians who are discriminated against for their faith in our time. Let us applaud the new Blesseds!

Today we celebrate World Day of the Poor, which has the theme: “The prayer of the poor rises up to God” (Sir 21:5). I thank those who, in the dioceses and parishes, have organized initiatives of solidarity with the most disadvantaged. And on this day, let us also remember all road victims: let us pray for them, for their relatives, and make an effort to prevent accidents.

I will ask a question; everyone can ask themself this question: Do I go without something in order to give it to the poor? When I give alms, do I touch the hand of the poor person and look him or her in the eyes? Brothers and sisters, let us not forget that the poor cannot wait!

I join with the Church in Italy, which tomorrow is repeating the Day of Prayer for victims and survivors of abuse. Every abuse is a betrayal of trust, a betrayal of life! Prayer is indispensable for “rebuilding trust”.

I would also like to remember all fishermen, on the occasion of World Fisheries Day, which will take place next Thursday [21 November]. May Mary, Star of the Sea, protect fishermen and their families.

And I affectionately greet you all, people of Rome and pilgrims. In particular, the faithful from Ponta Delgada and Zagabria; the Escolanía del Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial and the Ecuadorian community in Rome, which is celebrating the Virgen del Quinche. I greet the groups from Chioggia and Caorle; the fire brigade from Romeno, Trento, and the parish choir from Nesso, Como.

Brothers and sisters, let us pray for peace; in martyred Ukraine, in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, in Myanmar and Sudan. War dehumanizes us, it induces us to tolerate unacceptable crimes. May leaders listen to the cry of the people who are asking for peace.

A greeting to the young people of the Immacolata. I wish you all a good Sunday. And please, do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch. Arrivederci!