Pope urges prayers for persecuted Christians

15 April, 2013 - Pope Francis on Sunday encouraged the Church to proclaim the Gospel with “frankness and courage” and prayed for persecuted Christians worldwide. In his midday Regina Caeli address from his studio window overlooking some 80 thousand people in St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father drew attention to a passage from the Acts of the Apostles at Sunday’s Mass, saying it is relevant for everyone, particularly for those persecuted for Christ’s sake. He said the good news of the risen Christ filled the cities despite attempts by the authorities to silence the disciples by imprisonment and scourging. This was possible because of the Holy Spirit. He explained that their encounter with Christ was “so powerful and personal” that they did not fear persecution and even saw it as a “badge of honor.” He explained that anyone having a genuine encounter with Christ cannot help but communicate this experience. Overall, if a Christian “encounters misunderstanding or adversity, one behaves like Jesus in His Passion: one responds with love and with the power of truth,” the Holy Father said, urging prayers for persecuted Christians. “Let us pray specially for Christians who suffer persecution. In these times, he noted, there are many Christians who suffer persecution in great many countries! Let us pray for them with love from our hearts, that they may they feel the living and comforting presence of the Risen Lord!" the Pope added.
Pope Francis further developed this theme later Sunday evening at a Mass he celebrated at the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of the four major basilicas of Rome. In his homily he highlighted proclamation, witness and worship as essential to the Faith, while also recognizing those who suffer for Christ in the world today. Just as orders, violence and persecution could not stop the Apostles from preaching the Risen Lord, Pope Francis asked whether we are capable of bringing the word of God into the environment in which we live. He compared the witness of faith to a ‘great fresco’ where each of the variety of colours and shades is important, even those which do not stand out. “In God’s great plan, every detail is important, even yours, even my humble little witness, even the hidden witness of those who live their faith with simplicity in everyday family relationships, work relationships, friendships.” The Holy Father reminded all that “one cannot proclaim the Gospel of Jesus without the tangible witness of one’s life.” Such a witness cannot result without an intimate and “intense relationship with Jesus”.