The applause of the faithful in St. Peter’s Square welcomed the Pope’s request, the situation in the Middle East worsens and Francis’ appeal for Peace becomes even stronger with his sights set on the civilians of both sides of the conflict: “that space be left in Gaza to guarantee humanitarian aid and the immediate release of the hostages.”
“We do not give up, we continue to pray for Ukraine, also for the serious situation in Palestine and Israel and for the other regions at war.” Thus, the Pope FranciscoAt the end of the Angelus, he thanked “everyone, in many places and in different ways for having participated in the day of fasting and prayer that we experienced last Friday imploring peace in the world.”
“In Gaza in particular, spaces must be left to guarantee humanitarian aid and prisoners must be released immediately. Those who abandon the possibility of carrying weapons.”
The Pontiff’s request was also addressed to Ukraine and all countries that are in a military conflict, exclaiming from the window of the library of the Apostolic Palace: “Cease fire! War is always a defeat, always!”
Closing of the Synod
“The protagonist is the Holy Spirit”, with these words, which sounded like a reminder of what he had experienced in the last four weeks, the Pope celebrated the solemn closing mass of the Synod of Bishops: “it is a grave sin to insult the weakest, “a serious sin that corrodes fraternity and devastates society.”
The Pope’s claim took the voice of the last of the Church the day after the approval of the Synod Document of the Synod on Synodality 2023, which was also voted for the first time by women. In the text the openness to listen to the other, where it was expressed that no one should be excluded due to their marital situation or their sexual identity. Issues still controversial among the bishops present were also the deaconship of women and the celibacy of priests. But they will still have twelve months to reflect at the local level and then the final assembly will be concluded in October of next year 2024.
“Today we do not see the full fruit of this process,” said the Pope at the closing of the Synod, “but the Lord will help us to serve the women and men of our time,” highlighting the concept “worship and serve, that the Lord accompany us, move forward with joy” concluded Francisco.
The cardinals gathered in Rome took advantage of the month-long Synod with Francis at its head to get to know each other (since many are new and come from the periphery of the world) and to reason about the priorities of the church of the future and about who it could be, when It’s time, the next Pope. Although no one considers this scenario close since Jorge Mario Bergoglio has no intention of resigning, at 86 years old, despite having had some relapses, he is in very good health, he is always seen as very dynamic and strong like a true Argentine gaucho .
Source: Ambito
