File photo of Pope Francis | Photo: AFP
Pope Francis on Monday (7 October 2024) criticized the “shameful inability” of world powers to end the conflict in the Middle East, on the first anniversary of Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel on 7 October.
“A year ago the fuse of hatred was lit; it did not erupt, but erupted in a spiral of violence, in the shameful inability of the international community and the most powerful states to silence the weapons and end the tragedy of war,” he said in an open letter to Catholics in the Middle East.
“Blood is still being shed as well as tears. Anger grows, along with the desire for revenge, while few people seem interested in what is most needed and most desired: dialogue and peace.
The 87-year-old had previously declared Monday (October 7, 2024) a global day of prayer and fasting for peace, following similar initiatives for other conflicts in recent years.
In his letter, the leader of the world’s nearly 1.4 billion Catholics expressed solidarity with his followers in the region – a “small, defenseless flock” – in what he called “this sad day”.
But the Pope also addressed “the men and women of every confession and religion who in the Middle East suffer from the madness of war: I am close to you, I am with you.”
“I am with you who have no voice, because for all the talk of plans and strategies, there is little concern for those who suffer the ravages of war that the powerful impose on others; but they will be subjected to the unyielding judgment of God,” he added.
Published – October 07, 2024, 4:33 PM IST
