On Boxing Day, Pope Francis called on Christians to bear witness to their faith as faithfully as the Martyr and Saint Stephen. The Pope commemorated the many Christians who suffer, are persecuted and murdered worldwide for their faith. “Gaza, Syria and Ukraine are a desert of death,” he lamented.
The 87-year-old complained about discrimination against Christians and called on persecuted Christian communities to fight for justice and religious freedom. “Gaza, Syria and Ukraine are a desert of death. The peoples want peace!” the Pope said during the Angelus prayer.
“Do I believe that the seeds of good will bear fruit?”
“Let us ask ourselves: do I care and pray for those who still suffer and die for the faith in different parts of the world, for the many who are murdered for the faith? And for my part, do I try to testify to the Gospel with consistency, gentleness and confidence? “Do I believe that the seeds of good will bear fruit, even if I do not see immediate results?” the Pope asked.
“My heart grieves for the victims”
The Pope expressed his solidarity with the people of Israel and Palestine. “I embrace them all, especially the Christian communities in Gaza and throughout the Holy Land. “I mourn in my heart the victims of the despicable attack of October 7 and renew my urgent call for the release of those who remain hostage,” he said.
The end of the Christmas celebrations is approaching
In light of the world’s wars and conflicts, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of peace in his Christmas message on Christmas Day. The mood in the Gaza Strip was very depressed during the Christmas service (see video above).
“Say no to war!”
At the same time, he lamented the many “murders of innocents” taking place around the world. The Pope explicitly called on Christians to say ‘no’ to war and weapons. The Christmas message and blessing Urbi et orbi is a highlight of the Christian Christmas celebration (see links to articles above).
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
