Urbi et Orbi, the Pope: shut up the guns!
Pope Francis urges courage to “silence weapons and overcome divisions.” God’s mercy “dissolves hatred”
By Isabella Piro – Vatican City
“Silence your weapons!”: in his Christmas message ‘Urbi et Orbi’-on this second day of the Jubilee of Hope, which on Dec. 24 saw the evocative opening rite of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica-Francis repeats this heartfelt appeal to the city and the world several times, urging us to have the boldness and courage to seek peace, dialogue and reconciliation, without fear, trusting in God’s mercy.
READ POPE FRANCESCO’S FULL MESSAGE HERE
Do not be afraid!
From the central Loggia of the Vatican basilica, the Pontiff’s gaze turns to the approximately 30,000 faithful crowding St. Peter’s Square, on a wind-chill day, but clear and bright, just like hope. In the background, the nativity scene from Grado and the Christmas tree that came from Ledro stand out, and the colors and plumes of the uniforms of the Swiss Guards and the Carabinieri Corps stand out, while the papal and Italian anthems are played. But if the gaze is close, Francis’ thoughts transcend all boundaries to bring closeness and comfort “in the travail of this our time.” And echoing the words spoken by St. John Paul II at the beginning of his pontificate in 1978, the bishop of Rome reiterates:
Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid! The Door is open, it is wide open! There is no need to knock, it is open! Come! Let us be reconciled with God, and then we will be reconciled with ourselves and can reconcile with each other, even with our enemies. God’s mercy can do everything, it loosens every knot, breaks down every wall of division, God’s mercy dissolves hatred and the spirit of revenge. Come. Jesus is the Door of peace.