Voices from the Holy Land: Testimonies of the WarPierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem: "We have to work for the cessation of hostilities."One year after the Hamas attack on IsraelPope Francis has sent a letter to letter to the Catholics of the Middle East, assuring them of his prayers. As is now frequent, the Holy Father insisted that "war is a defeat", but that "years and years of conflict seem to have taught us nothing".
Francis described the Catholics of the Middle East as "a small, defenseless flock, thirsty for peace" and thanked them for their desire to remain in their lands, together with their ability "to pray and love in spite of everything".
"You are a seed loved by God," said the Pope, who also encouraged them not to allow themselves to be "swallowed up by the darkness that surrounds you." The Pontiff invited Catholics living in these war zones to be "shoots of hope", to "bear witness to love in the midst of words of hatred" and to foster "encounter in the midst of confrontation".
In his message, Pope Francis repeated that "as Christians, we must never tire of imploring God's peace". This is precisely the origin of the day of prayer and fasting that he called last week for October 7. "Prayer and fasting," the Pontiff explained, "are the weapons of love that change history, the weapons that defeat our only true enemy: the spirit of evil that foments war."
Pope joins in the pain of all
In addition, the Pope has shown his closeness to all people living in the Middle East, regardless of their religious confession. Francis addresses his affection to "mothers who weep", to "those who have been forced to leave their homes", "those who are afraid to look up because of the fire that rains down from heaven" and "those who thirst for peace and justice".
The Holy Father also took advantage of the letter to thank the "sons and daughters of peace for consoling the heart of God, wounded by the wickedness of humanity" for their work. He also thanked the "bishops and priests, who bring God's consolation to those who feel alone and abandoned". To them he addresses a request: "look to the holy people whom you are called to serve and let your hearts be moved, putting aside, for the good of your flock, every division and ambition".
The Pope concluded his message by asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary, "Queen of Peace" and St. Joseph, "Patron of the Church".
