Rome: In his traditional new year address to diplomats accredited to the Holy See, this morning, Pope Francis highlighted key challenges facing our world: the war in Ukraine and its terrible impact on people “dying not only from bombs but also from hunger and cold.”
He mentioned the political and social tensions in Brazil, Peru and Haiti, growing violence in the Holy Land, the death penalty in Iran, and the exclusion of women from education in Afghanistan. He also spoke about the wars in Syria and Yemen with populations dealing with deadly landmines; terrorism in Africa; the conflicts in the South Caucasus; the social, economic and political crisis in Lebanon; and the tragedy of migration that has “turned the Mediterranean into a graveyard.”
The reality that emerges is one of a “third world war”, truly global in nature, “where conflicts involve only certain areas of the planet directly, but in fact involve them all,” he said.
The Pope called on everyone to build peace together and re-establish democracy which is weakening in so many countries. Peru, Haiti and in recent hours Brazil, as seen with yesterday’s assault on institutional buildings, are examples of situations “laden with tensions and forms of violence” that such polarization brings.
“There is a constant need to overcome partisan ways of thinking and to work for the promotion of the common good.”
Pope Francis thanked the ambassadors for their messages of condolence on the death of Benedict XVI. He also mentioned the extension of the Provisional Agreement regarding the appointments of Bishops between China and the Holy See, “in the context of a respectful and constructive dialogue.”
“It is my hope that this collaborative relationship can increase, for the benefit of the life of the Catholic Church and that of the Chinese people,” he said.
Referring to St Pope John XXIII’s Encyclical Pacem in Terris, written 60 years ago during the Cuban missile crisis, the Pope said: “humanity would have been only a step away from its own annihilation, had it not proved possible to make dialogue prevail…Sadly, today too, the nuclear threat is raised, and the world once more feels fear and anguish.”
He then reaffirmed that “the possession of atomic weapons is immoral” because, as St Pope John XXIII observed, “there is no denying that the conflagration could be started by some chance and unforeseen circumstance.” He underscored the risks nuclear weapons pose and “the appalling slaughter and destruction that war would bring in its wake.”
Pope Francis expressed particular concern about the stalemate in negotiations over the Iran nuclear agreement and said he hopes for an immediate solution for “the sake of ensuring a more secure future.”
The Pope then focused on Ukraine, condemning attacks on civilian infrastructure that “that cause lives to be lost not only from gunfire and acts of violence, but also from hunger and freezing cold.”
“Today, I feel bound to renew my appeal for an immediate end to this senseless conflict, whose effects are felt in entire regions, also outside of Europe, due to its repercussions in the areas of energy and food production, above all in Africa and in the Middle East.”
Pope Francis then looked at other areas of the world where there are areas of tensions. He mentioned Iran, where the death penalty is still practised (a few days ago the latest executions), following demonstrations calling for greater respect for the dignity of women.
“The death penalty cannot be employed for a purported State justice, since it does not constitute a deterrent nor render justice to victims, but only fuels the thirst for vengeance. I appeal, then, for an end to the death penalty, which is always inadmissible since it attacks the inviolability and the dignity of the person, in the legislation of all the countries of the world. We cannot overlook the fact that, up until his or her very last moment, a person can repent and change.”
The Pope then turned his attention to Syria, a land still plagued by poverty and sanctions: “The rebirth of that country must come about through needed reforms, including constitutional reforms,” said the Pope. With the same anguish, he recalled the increasing violence between Palestinians and Israelis, causing victims and “complete mutual distrust.” The called for the status quo of Jerusalem to be guaranteed and respected, and at the same time, reaffirmed a position already expressed by the Holy See:
“I express my hope that the authorities of the State of Israel and those of the State of Palestine can recover the courage and determination to dialogue directly for the sake of implementing the two-state solution in all its aspects, in conformity with international law and all the pertinent resolutions of the United Nations.”
Continuing is address, Pope Francis called attention to the situation in DR Congo, where he will travel at the end of January as a “pilgrim of peace” and where he hopes the violence in the east of the country will cease. Likewise, he added his voice to the cry for peace of the people of South Sudan.
He then urged a ceasefire in the South Caucasus, calling for “the release of military and civil prisoners.” Regarding Yemen, he denounced the deaths of civilians due to landmines, despite the ceasefire, while on Ethiopia, he urged the international community to strengthen its commitment to tackle the humanitarian crisis.
The Pope voiced his concerns of the crises experienced by the peoples of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigeria, with hopes that the transition processes underway in Sudan, Mali, Chad, Guinea and Burkina Faso will take place “in respect for the legitimate aspirations of the populations involved.”
Turning to Asia, the Pope expressed his worry over Myanmar, “which for two years now has experienced violence, suffering and death,” as well as for the Korean peninsula, where good will and commitment will strengthen “for the sake of achieving greatly-desired peace and prosperity for the entire Korean people.”
“All conflicts nonetheless bring to the fore the lethal consequences of a continual recourse to the production of new and ever more sophisticated weaponry, which is sometimes justified by the argument that peace cannot be assured except on the basis of an equal balance of armaments,” the Pope said.
“There is a need to change this way of thinking and move towards an integral disarmament, since no peace is possible where instruments of death are proliferating.”
To “weave anew the threads of peace,” the Pope said we must start again from truth, justice, freedom and solidarity. First of all, he says, we must respect the human person’s “right to life and to physical integrity.” He said this concerns especially women who even today, in many countries, are considered “second-class citizens” or are “subjected to violence and abuse, and are denied the opportunity to study, work, employ their talents, and have access to healthcare and even to food.”.
Please visit our website London Institute of Peace Research for latest peace news
