Pope Francis: We must all be pacifists

Pope Francis praying during General Audience - Image Vatican Media

Source: Vatican News, La Stampa

In a wide-ranging interview with Domenico Agasso published on Friday by 'La Stampa', Pope Francis spoke about the ongoing war ravaging Ukraine.

Lamenting the absurdity of war, he noted that humanity has not learned the lessons of the previous two World Wars. Asked about the Vatican's diplomatic efforts to bring about a ceasefire and peace negotiations, Pope Francis said the Holy See constantly follows the situation and "is willing to do everything possible to mediate and put an end to the conflict", while it continues to offer humanitarian relief to suffering Ukrainians and support to prisoners of war.

The Pope said he has not given up hope on a lasting peace and reconciliation between Moscow and Kyiv, however, he stressed "everyone must commit themselves to demilitarize their hearts, starting from their own, and then to defuse and disarm violence".

He said: "We must all be pacifists, wanting peace, not just a truce that maybe only serves to rearm, but a true peace, which is the fruit of dialogue. Peace is not achieved with weapons, because they don't defeat hatred and the thirst for domination, which will re-emerge, perhaps in other ways."

Referring to the growing nationalism and populism around the world, Pope Francis warned again on the dangers of all "-isms", because, he said, "they hypocritically sow social and political wickedness."

Pope Francis also spoke about his upcoming visit to Asti, in Northern Italy, where his parents came from. During the visit this weekend, he will meet privately with his relatives for the occasion of his cousin's 90th birthday, and will celebrate Mass for the diocesan community.

The Pope said he is still very close to his relatives and has strong affective ties with Piedmont, thanks to his grandmother Rosa, who also taught him poems of local poet Nino Costa in the Piedmontese dialect, which he still cherishes.

Family roots are fundamental both from a cultural and a familiar point of view, he said. The Pope once again said it is very important that young people talk with their grandparents as much as possible.

"It is essential to keep the relationship with our roots alive, for our cultural and social growth, and also for the development of our personality" he said.

The Holy Father also repeated that young people should continue to dream, even in the face of a gloomy and uncertain future like today.

Pope Francis highlighted the urgent need to address the "scandal" of hunger, affecting millions of people and children across the world: "This must be a priority for everyone" he said, describing hunger as a disgrace and a crime .

Asked about his thoughts on his pontificate as he approaches the tenth anniversary of his election next year, he said: "Thanks to my vocation, I have always been happy in the places where the Lord has placed and sent me… But not because 'I won something', I won nothing... this is a service, and the Church asked me for it."

The Holy Father then spoke about the importance for him of the Ignatian practice of daily examination of conscience, which helps us understand our good and bad deeds, and of listening to people, especially the "little ones" - children, the elderly and the poor.

Pope Francis will celebrate his 86th birthday on 17 December. He said that at his age he "feels tranquility, great peace, genuine joy, and religiosity." On a personal note, he said he finds God in prayer, in celebrating the Eucharist and in all the people he meets.

LINK

The La Stampa interview - www.lastampa.it/vatican-insider/it/2022/11/18/news/papa_francesco_tra_kiev_e_mosca_la_pace_e_possibile_non_scordiamo_gli_ultimi-12246796/