The Bishop of Rome will not rest as long as people are deprived: Pope Francis

Vatican City, 21 Nov 2013: ‘The Bishop of Rome will not rest as long as there are men and women, of any religion, are affected in their dignity, deprived of basic survival, robbed of the future, forced to the status of refugees and displaced persons. Pope Francis made these comments while addressing the participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches in the Vatican on Thursday morning. ‘Today, along with the pastors of the Churches of the East, we appeal that the right of all to have a decent life, and to freely profess their faith, are respected. I do not think we resign ourselves to the Middle East without Christians, who for two thousand years have confessed the name of Jesus, inserted themselves as full citizens in their nation’s social, cultural and religious diversity’, added the Pope.

This plenary session aims to recapture the grace of the Second Vatican Council and the subsequent Magisterium on Christian life. The verification of the progress made, will emerge as guidelines to support the mission entrusted by the Council to the brothers and sisters of the East, that is, to "promote the unity of all Christians, especially Eastern Christians, observed Pope Francis.

Recalling his meeting with the Patriarchs and Major Archbishops in the morning, Pope Francis said that he has come to know of the situation of the various Eastern Churches: the vitality of the long oppressed churches under communist regimes, the missionary dynamism of those that refer to the preaching of the Apostle Thomas; perseverance of those living in the Middle East, in an environment marked by hostility and conflict.

Referring to the various problems concerning the internal life of the Eastern Churches and the size of the Diaspora, the Pontiff said, ‘we must do everything we can …, facilitating the pastoral care both in their territories where the Eastern communities have long-established, while promoting communion and fellowship with the community of the Latin rite. He suggest to give renewed vitality to the consultative bodies that already exist between the individual Churches and the Holy See.

My thoughts turn especially to the blessed land where Christ lived, died and rose again, said the Pope, adding, I also felt today from the voice of the Patriarchs that the light of faith has not died, rather shines lively.’ Every Catholic has therefore a debt of gratitude to the churches which live in that region. From them we can, among other things, learn the hard daily exercise of ecumenical spirit and dialogue, added the Pope.

Pope Francis also referred to the suffering Christians in the Middle East because of tensions and conflicts, especially in Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and other areas of the Holy Land. My thoughts go finally to Jerusalem, where we are all born spiritually, said the Pope. I wish you every comfort that can be truly prophecy of the final call , from east to west , arranged by God ( cf. Is 43,5 ) . The blessed John XXIII and John Paul II, tireless workers for peace on earth, are our intercessors in heaven , with the All-Holy Mother of God, who gave us the Prince of Peace . Upon each of you and you love Oriental Churches I invoke the blessings of the Lord.Source: VR Sedoc