(July 30, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday once more appealed for an end to `'all
violence and bloodshed” in Syria. Speaking after his weekly midday ‘Angelus’ prayer
and blessing at the summer papal residence of Castel Gandolfo, southeast of Rome,
the Pope called for all parties, including the international community, to spare no
effort in seeking peace and a political settlement to the conflict. Addressing pilgrims
and visitors in the courtyard of his summer residence, where he is about to end his
annual vacation, the Holy Father said he continues to follow “tragic and growing episodes
of violence in Syria with their sad trail of deaths and injuries, including civilians,
and large number of people displaced internally and refugees in neighbouring countries.”
The 85-year old German Pope has spoken out many times on the Syrian conflict, which
began in March 2011 as a popular uprising but has since turned into a civil war, with
the focus now on Aleppo. Human rights observers estimate more than 19,000 people
have died as the Syrian regime has cracked down on protesters and armed rebels. Pope
Benedict also remembered Iraq, which he said “has been hit by numerous, serious attacks
causing many deaths and injuries.” He hoped the nation will be able to “find once
again the path toward stability, reconciliation and peace.” He also expressed concern
for the situation of the ILVA steel mill in Taranto (Italy), which was closed by court
order because of pollution problems going back decades, a decision opposed by workers
who would lose their jobs and the tens of thousands of families that would lose their
main source of income. “I would like to express my closeness to the workers and their
families, who are going through this difficult time with apprehension,” the pope said.
“Whilst I ensure you my prayers and the Church's support, I call on everyone to show
a sense of responsibility.” “I encourage national and local governments to make every
effort to find a fair solution to the issue, one that would uphold people's right
to health, as well as the right to work, especially at such a time of economic crisis,”
the Pope added. The Holy Father also reminded all about the World Youth Day that
will take centre stage in less than a year’s time in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July
23-28. It will be a precious occasion for many young people to experience the joy
and beauty of belonging to the Church and living the faith,” the pontiff said. “I
look forward with hope to this event, and I encourage and thank the organisers, especially
the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, for working diligently to welcome young people
from around the world to this important Church meeting.” Earlier, before reciting
the ‘Angelus’ prayer, Pope Benedict reflected on Sunday’s Gospel in which St. John
recounted Jesus’ miracle of the multiplication of 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed five
thousand people. “The miracle,” the Pope observed, “did not come from nothing but
from an ordinary boy's desire to share what he had.” Jesus does not ask us what we
do not have, but shows us that if each of us offers what little we have, a miracle
can always take place again. God is able to multiply every one of our small deeds
of love and make us share in his gift. “Strengthened by that sacrifice, may we always
work for the spiritual nourishment of our brethren, not forgetting the poor and needy,”
the Pope urged. However, the miracle is primarily a sign of God’s immeasurable providence
in the Eucharist. Christ nourishes us by uniting us to Himself; he draws us into Himself.
Jesus is not an earthly king who rules, but a king who serves, who bends to man's
level to meet not only his material hunger, but the deeper one, the one for God.
“At the same time,” the Pope urged, “we want to pray that no one may lack the necessary
bread for a life of dignity, and that all inequalities be removed, not through the
weapons of violence, but through sharing and love.”