Pope Francis Renews Call for Peace in the Holy Land

Pope Francis has posted his support for the returning of Israeli hostages by Hamas and the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip today. 

This follows his earlier post on Monday warning the world that we must not become accustomed to war, and how we must not become "anesthetized at the repetition of these extremely serious horrors against God and humankind". 

Pope Francis's position has been to denounce terrorism, but to also advocate against revenge. 

Two weeks ago, Pope Francis had a clear statement at his weekly Wednesday General Audience in which he stated: "It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but I am very concerned about the total siege under which the Palestinians are living in Gaza, where there have also been many innocent victims. Terrorism and extremism do not help reach a solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, but fuel hatred, violence and revenge, and only cause suffering to both. The Middle East does not need war, but peace, a peace built on justice, dialogue and the courage of fraternity."

Pope Francis understands the necessity of Israel to react and to have the right to self-defense, as well as the struggle of Palestinians, but he wishes to alleviate suffering for both as best he can. 

Perhaps, it was the example Pope Francis used of Saint Josephine Bakhita, a Christian saint from Darfur in Sudan who was sold into slavery at a young age and traded around to eight different masters that can help guide us best. Even with all this injustice, Saint Josphine was able to overcome hate to humanize her slavers, those who victimized her. 

Therefore, Pope Francis has continued to renew his calls that he made two weeks ago to humanize each other: "Dear brothers and sisters, forgiveness takes away nothing but adds — what does forgiveness add? — dignity: forgiveness takes away nothing from you but adds dignity to the person; it makes us lift our gaze from ourselves and towards others, to see them as fragile as we are, yet always brothers and sisters in the Lord. Brothers and sisters, forgiveness is the wellspring of a zeal that becomes mercy and calls us to a humble and joyful holiness, like that of Saint Bakhita."

Understandably, many Catholics are upset and know little of what to do. But, Pope Francis gives us a guide to prayer and fasting for peace, not only in the Holy Land, but across the world such as in Ukraine. 

His appeal is this: "I remind you all that the day after tomorrow, Friday 27 October, will be a day of fasting, prayer and penance: at 18.00, in Saint Peter’s Square, we will gather together to implore peace in the world." For those wondering what time that will be at locally, it will be at 12.00 (12 pm) New York City time on Friday the 27th, and 00.00 (12 am) Shanghai time on Saturday the 28th.

The General Audience from earlier today can be rewatched with this link.