LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS TO THE CATHOLICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST

On October 7, one year after the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, the Holy Father addressed a letter to the population living in the region. In this message, Pope Francis calls for an end to the war and calls for awareness of the current seriousness of this conflict situation:

Blood is still being shed, as are tears. Anger is growing, along with the desire for revenge, while it seems that few people care about what is most needed and what is most desired: dialogue and peace. I never tire of repeating that war is a defeat, that weapons do not build the future but destroy it, that violence never brings peace.

The Holy Father also affirmed his closeness to the population of all religious denominations who are suffering the consequences of this conflict, to all those who have been forced to leave their homes, to mothers who suffer the loss of a child, to the new generations, to those who seek peace and true justice:

There is one thing that I wish to say to you, from the bottom of my heart, dear brothers and sisters, but also to the men and women of every confession and religion who in the Middle East are suffering from the insanity of war: I am close to you, I am with you. I am with you, the people of Gaza, long embattled and in dire straits. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I am with you, who have been forced to leave your homes, to abandon schooling and work and to find a place of refuge from the bombing.I am with you, the mothers who weep while looking at your dead or wounded children, like Mary at the sight of Jesus; with you, the children of the great lands of the Middle East, where the intrigues of those in power deprive you of your right to play. I am with you, who are afraid to look up for fear of fire raining down from the skies. I am with you, who have no voice, for despite all the talk of plans and strategies, there is little concern for those who suffer the devastation of war, which the powerful impose on others; yet they will be subject to the inflexible judgement of God (cf. Wis6:8).

I am with you, who thirst for peace and justice, and refuse to yield to the logic of evil and, in the name of Jesus, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Mt 5:44).

Pope Francis also thanked all those who, in the midst of this conflict in the Middle East, promote peace and help their fellow human beings, seeing in them Christ himself:

Thank you, sons and daughters of peace, for consoling the heart of God, wounded by the evil of humanity. I also thank those throughout the world who assist you. I ask them, who in you care for Christ himself in the hungry, the sick, the stranger, the outcast, the poor and the needy, to continue to do so with generosity. Thank you, brother bishops and priests, who bring God's consolation to those who feel alone and abandoned. Please look to the holy people you are called to serve and let your hearts be touched, putting aside, for the sake of your flock, all division and ambition.