The Holy Father is following with deep
concern the dramatic news reports coming from northern Iraq, which involve defenceless
populations. Christian communities are particularly affected: a people fleeing
from their villages because of the violence that rages in these days, wreaking
havoc on the entire region.
At the Angelus prayer on July 20th, Pope
Francis cried with pain: “[O]ur brothers and sisters are persecuted, they are pushed
out, forced to leave their homes without the opportunity to take anything with
them. To these families and to these people I would like to express my closeness
and my steadfast prayer. Dearest brothers and sisters so persecuted, I know how
much you suffer, I know that you are deprived of everything. I am with you in
your faith in Him who conquered evil!”
In light of these terrible developments,
the Holy Father renews his spiritual closeness to all those who are suffering
through this painful trial, and makes the impassioned appeals of the local
bishops his own, asking together with them in behalf of their sorely tried
communities, that the whole Church and all the faithful raise up with one voice
a ceaseless prayer, imploring the Holy Spirit to send the gift of peace.
His Holiness urgently calls on the
international community to protect all those affected or threatened by the
violence, and to guarantee all necessary assistance – especially the most urgently
needed aid – to the great multitude of people who have been driven from their
homes, whose fate depends entirely on the solidarity of others.
The Pope also appeals to the conscience of
all people, and to each and every believer he repeats: “May the God of peace
create in all an authentic desire for dialogue and reconciliation. Violence is
not conquered with violence. Violence is conquered with peace! Let us pray in silence,
asking for peace; everyone, in silence.... Mary Queen of peace, pray for us!
(Angelus, July 20, 2014)”.
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Statement from Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto re: Iraqi Christians
