'No one can pretend not to know' about Christian persecution in Syria, Iraq, Pope says
September 17, 2015
The suffering of the people in Syria and Iraq is among “the most overwhelming human tragedies of recent decades,” Pope Francis said at a September 17 audience.
In an address to a conference organized by the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, bringing together representatives of Catholic charitable groups working in the Middle East, the Pope decried the continued bloodshed in Syria and Iraq. He said that “the international community seems unable to find adequate solutions while the arms dealers continue to achieve their interests.”
Because of worldwide media coverage, the Pope remarked, the “atrocities and unspeakable human rights violations which characterize these conflicts are transmitted live.” Consequently, he added: “No one can pretend not to know!”
Without specifically naming the Islamic State, the Pope said that “the very legitimacy of the presence of Christians and other religious minorities is denied in the name of a violent fundamentalism claiming to be based on religion.” He expressed his horror at the suffering endured by persecuted Christians, and his concern that the ancient Christian presence in those lands is now jeopardized.
At a separate public audience on the same day, the Pope revealed that he carries the cross of a priest who was killed in Iraq. Speaking to young religious, the Holy Father disclosed that he was recently given a small cross “that a priest held in his hand as he was beheaded for his refused to deny Jesus.” Gesturing toward his chest, the Pope said: “I carry this cross with me here.”
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Further information:
- The Pope: no-one can remain oblivious to the atrocities and human rights violations in Syria and Iraq (VIS)
- Francis carries with him cross held by a priest who was beheaded in Iraq (Vatican Insider)
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Posted by: unum -
Sep. 17, 2015 8:52 PM ET USA
'No one can pretend not to know' about Christian persecution in Syria, Iraq, the Holy Father says. Well, my diocese is pretty good at pretending because there have been no 1) Mentions from the pulpit, 2) Calls for prayer, 3) Collections, 4) Mentions of relief organizations we can help. I don't think much of the U.S. Church is "in the game". The Pope further said, "they captured the attention of the whole world. No one can pretend not to know!" The U.S. Church could use a remender.
