“UN peacekeepers be respected”

From Saint Peter’s concern for the Middle East: ‘Immediate ceasefire on all fronts,’ said the Pontiff. “Diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace.” On the European front: “Stop killing innocents.” He recalled the massacre in Haiti: working for “the dignity and rights of all.”

Vatican City () – As relations between Israel and the international community become increasingly complicated – with Netanyahu addressing Guterres saying: “The time has come to withdraw Unifil (UN Interim Force for Lebanon) from the strongholds and Hezbollah combat zones” – this morning from the window of the Apostolic Palace, after praying the Angelus, Pope Francis did not mince words: “UN peacekeepers must be respected.” In recent days, IDF attacks have injured four blue helmets of Sinhalese and Indonesian nationality: the Unifil post in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, was the target. “I continue to follow with concern what is happening in the Middle East – the Pontiff said today – and I ask once again for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts. “Let the paths of diplomacy and dialogue be followed to achieve peace.”

The Holy Father also reiterated his closeness to “all the populations involved: Palestine, Israel, Lebanon”, the first victims of the violence. “I pray for all the victims, for the displaced, for the hostages who I hope will be released immediately,” he continued. He then dwelled on the meaninglessness of war, the persistence of which will only cause more pain, moving further and further away from the achievement of peace. “I hope that this great and useless suffering generated by hatred and revenge comes to an end soon,” were Bergoglio’s words. «Brothers and sisters, war is an illusion, it is a defeat. It will never bring peace. It will never bring security. It is a defeat for everyone. Especially for those who believe they are invincible. Enough, please”, is the Pope’s decisive call.

“To the intercession of the Virgin we entrust the tormented Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, the other populations that suffer from war and all forms of violence and misery,” he said at the end of the speech that followed the recitation of the Marian prayer. And speaking of the European front, the call shared with the many faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square under a clear sky was “not to let the Ukrainians die of cold.” “Let the air attacks against the civilian population, which is always the most affected, stop.” And he added: “Let them stop killing innocents.”

A thought was also dedicated to Haiti, where on the night of October 3 to 4, a terrible massacre took place in Pont-Sondé, with 115 victims, at the hands of armed gangs. “Violence continues against the population, forced to flee their homes in search of safety in other places, inside and outside the country,” said the Bishop of Rome. The invitation is not to forget “our fellow brothers” in the Caribbean country. “I ask everyone to pray that all forms of violence cease and with the commitment of the international community we continue working to build peace and reconciliation in the country, always defending the dignity and rights of all,” added Pope Francis.

Before the Angelus, commenting on the Word of the day (Mk 10:17-30), the Pontiff stopped at the two movements that characterize in the passage the rich man who asks Jesus: “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit the eternal life?” (v. 17).

That of running to meet him and that of moving away. Regarding the first, Bergoglio said that ‘it was as if something in his heart was pushing him.’ Because although he possessed many riches, the man was dissatisfied. “He carries a restlessness within, he seeks a fuller life.” It needs “healing.” «Jesus looks at him with love; So, he proposes a therapy: sell everything he has, give it to the poor and follow him,” Francisco explained. At that moment, an “unexpected” action occurs: “that man’s face gets sad and he leaves! “So great and impetuous was the desire to meet Jesus, how cold and quick was the farewell to Him.”

«We too carry in our hearts an irrepressible need for happiness and a life full of meaning; However, we can fall into the illusion of thinking that the answer lies in the possession of material things and earthly security,” he added. The richness that really counts is truly another: “being looked upon with love by the Lord.” “This is a great richness, as Jesus does with that man, looking at him with love, and loving one another, making our lives a gift for others.” So what does it mean to “sell to give to the poor”? Risk love. “It means stripping ourselves and our false securities, becoming attentive to those in need and sharing our goods, not just things, but who we are: our talents, our friendship, our time, etc.,” Bergoglio said.