(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis appealed to the consciences of local and international leaders to bring an end to the Syrian tragedy.
Speaking during the weekly General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope said that it is “with horror” that we witness the events that have taken place in Syria.
72 people, including 20 children were killed in a rebel-held town in Idlib province on Tuesday in a chemical gas attack that also injured dozens of civilians.
“I firmly deplore the unacceptable carnage that took place yesterday in Idlib province, where scores of helpless people, including many children, were killed” he said.
And while the Pope said he is praying for the victims and their families, he issued an urgent appeal to “the consciences of those who have political responsabilities, on a local and international level, to halt this tragedy and bring relief to the population that has been sorely tried by war for far too long” he said.
Pope Francis also encouraged those who, notwithstanding the insecurity, are continuing in their efforts to bring help to the inhabitants of the region.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday encouraged Christians to show hope by imitating Jesus’ concern for the needs of others, and by forgiving those who have offended us.
The Pope was continuing his catechesis on Christian hope during the weekly General Audience in St. Peter’s Square.
Please find the English Summary below:
Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our continuing catechesis on Christian hope, we now turn to the First Letter of Peter. The Apostle encourages us to rejoice in Christ’s resurrection from the dead and to sanctify him in our hearts. Because we have received the gift of new life in Christ, Saint Peter urges us to “account for the hope” that is in us. We are to show forth that hope by imitating Jesus’ loving concern for the needs of our brothers and sisters, but also by forgiving those who have offended us. Peter tells us that “it is better to suffer for doing good”, for in this way we imitate the Lord’s redemptive suffering and bear witness to God’s infinite love, revealed on the cross and sealed in the resurrection. That love is the basis of all our hope. May our lives radiate the hope that is Christ himself, who dwells within us and acts through us to bring his mercy and peace to our world.
(from Vatican Radio)…