After the Iranian attack on Israel, from St. Peter's Square he called to avoid “an even greater war conflict”; Nations must defend peace through negotiation. He invoked the two-state solution: “a deep and legitimate desire” of Israelis and Palestinians. On Gaza: “We must help this population mired in a humanitarian catastrophe.”
Vatican City () – After a night of apprehension caused by the attack on Israel by Iran, threatened in recent days – nearly 300 missiles and drones directed towards the Jewish State in the last hours, 99 % intercepted -, Pope Francis this morning after the Regina Caeli prayer launched a “heartfelt request” to put an end to any action aimed at fomenting a “spiral of violence” that would drag the Middle East into “an even greater war conflict.” The Holy Father made it known that he follows “in prayer, and with concern, even pain” the news about the escalation of tensions in the region. “No one should threaten the existence of others,” he said from the window of his study in the Vatican Apostolic Palace.
“All nations should instead stand on the side of peace.” It is the request of the Pontiff, who intercepts the meetings between world leaders that are taking place at this time: the G7 will meet by videoconference early in the afternoon, convened by President Giorgia Meloni. The request is to help “Israelis and Palestinians live in two states, side by side, in security.” A solution supported by the Church on numerous occasions in recent months. “It is their deep and legitimate desire. And it is their right. Two neighboring States,” said Pope Francis before asking that the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip also be guaranteed. The way forward in this delicate moment of international tensions is dialogue. “Let the paths of negotiation be followed,” said Bergoglio. “Negotiation,” he punctuated a second time. Next, he directed a new thought of closeness to the suffering Palestinian people. “With determination, we must help this population immersed in a humanitarian catastrophe. The hostages kidnapped months ago must be immediately released. So much suffering!” He continued. The words that immediately followed were punctuated by long applause that rose from a sunny St. Peter's Square. “Let us pray for peace. No more wars. No more attacks. No more violence. Yes to dialogue and yes to peace.”
In his speech after the recitation of the prayer dedicated to Mary, the bishop of Rome affectionately greeted the boys and girls present in Saint Peter's to commemorate the first World Children's Day, which will be celebrated in the Vatican on the next 25 and 26 of May. “I invite everyone to accompany the path towards this event with prayer,” said Francis, “and I thank those who work to prepare it.” Later addressing the little protagonists of the long-awaited event, he added: “I am waiting for you, all of you. We need your joy, your desire for a better world, a world in peace.” Here too he dedicated a thought to the suffering that spreads in the world, of which the first victims are often the little ones. “Let us pray, brothers and sisters, for the children who suffer because of wars,” asked the Holy Father. There are many in Ukraine, in Palestine, in Israel, in other parts of the world, in Myanmar. Let us pray for them and for peace.”
The Pontiff also addressed a greeting to the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, which celebrates its centenary today in Italy, with the theme “Demand for the future. Young people between disenchantment and desire.” “I encourage this great university to continue its important formative service in fidelity to its mission, and attentive to the youth and social instances of today,” said Pope Francis.
Before the prayer of the Regina Caeli, the Holy Father commented on the Gospel of the day (Lk 24, 35-48), which narrates the encounter between the disciples gathered in the Cenacle and Jesus, which took place after the two from Emmaus recognized him. when breaking bread. An experience that they were sharing with the other apostles at that same moment of reunion. “Jesus arrives just as they are sharing the story of their encounter with Him,” Pope Francis explained, elaborating in his next words on the meaning and value of “sharing faith in the risen Jesus” and, therefore, “our encounter with Jesus.” A topic that is difficult to talk about, Bergoglio argued. It is important to share the story of this moment because “it is good to talk about the good inspirations that have guided us in life, the good thoughts and feelings that help us move forward so much – he added -, also about the efforts and work we do to understand and progress on the path of faith”. The request he made this morning to those listening to him, in Rome or online, is to “remember a strong moment in our life of faith, a decisive encounter with Jesus.” To do this, Pope Francis has asked for a moment of silence, to think. Finally, he invoked the Virgin to “help us share our faith, to make our communities increasingly places of encounter with the Lord.”
