Pope appeals for peace and coexistence in the Middle East

(June 25, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI on Friday appealed for “a stable peace and sound coexistence” among all people in the Holy Land, Iraq and the Middle East, that is “born of respect for the rights of persons, families, communities and peoples, overcoming any religious, cultural or social discrimination.” The Pope’s appeal came in his address to participants in a meeting of the Vatican’s organization that brings together aid agencies for the Eastern Churches, known by its Italian acronym, ROACO. While encouraging the Christians of the region to persevere in their faith and remain in their native land despite numerous difficulties, the Holy Father urged those who have migrated elsewhere not to forget their roots, especially their religious origins. Pope Benedict appealed to the leaders of nations to guarantee that all in the region are able to always practice and profess their religion in public and as a community. The Pope also urged ROACO to help in preparing for the special bishops’ synod for the Middle East this October in the Vatican, which he said “is already bearing fruits of ‘communion and testimony’”. He urged the aid agencies for the Eastern Churches to help keep alive the hope that does not disappoint.