Jerusalem patriarch devotes Christmas homily to mercy

December 29, 2015

Lamenting “many heartbreaking incidents around the world,” the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem preached on mercy during his Christmas homily in Bethlehem.

“We are sad to say that we have lost our humanity and spiritual values,” Patriarch Fouad Twal preached. “Religion has become a reason to kill in the name of God, instead of being a motivation for empathy and fraternity.”

Pleading for compassion for refugees and victims of terrorism, Patriarch Twal called for the “radical conversion” of those involved in the arms trade and corruption. Both the president and prime minister of Palestine, whose government faced a corruption scandal during the summer, were present at the Mass.

 

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Further information:

• Christmas Homily for 2015 (Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem)
• Leaked documents raise anger over Palestinian corruption (AP)