In his New Year address to the diplomatic corps, Pope Francis also warns about the persecution of Christians and the lack of religious freedom. He also spoke out against abortion.
In his address to the Vatican-accredited diplomatic corps on Monday, the Pope expressed his concern over recent events in Brazil. “I am thinking of the political crises in various countries of America, with their multiple forms of tension and violence that exacerbate social conflicts. I am thinking in particular of the recent events in Peru and, in recent hours, in Brazil,” said the Pope.
The Pope also described the situation in Haiti as “worrying”. Democracy is in danger in many countries. Women and ethnic minorities would suffer particularly from social unrest and tensions and even armed conflicts. “In many areas, the growing political polarization and social problems are a sign of a weakening of democracy, which does not help to solve the urgent problems of the citizens”, added the Pope.
Call for universal recognition of religious freedom
The pontiff also raised the issue of religious freedom. “Peace also requires the universal recognition of religious freedom. It is worrying that there are people persecuted simply for publicly professing their faith, and that there are many countries where religious freedom is restricted, “warned the Pope. About a third of the world’s population lives in this condition. “In addition to the lack of religious freedom, there are also persecutions on religious grounds. Every seventh Christian is persecuted,” warned the Pope.
“It must not be forgotten that violence and discrimination against Christians are increasing even in countries where they are not a minority. Religious freedom, which cannot be reduced to mere religious freedom, is one of the minimum requirements for a dignified life, and Governments have a duty to protect and guarantee them for everyone,” the Pope warned.
Against abortion, concerned about declining birth rates
Francis also took a clear stand against abortion. “Peace requires, first of all, that we defend life, a good that today is threatened not only by conflicts, hunger and disease, but often in the womb, asserting a supposed ‘right to abortion’,” he said. “No one can claim the right to life of another human being, especially when he is defenseless and therefore has no means of defending himself,” the pope said. He called on politicians “to work to protect the rights of the most vulnerable and to eradicate the throwaway culture, which unfortunately also affects the sick, disabled and elderly”.
Among other things, the Pope referred to the problem of falling birth rates in many European countries, including Italy. “Unfortunately, a ‘fear’ of life seems to be developing more and more, which in many places is expressed in fear of the future and the difficulties of starting a family and having children. In some areas, I think of Italy, for example, registers it a dangerous drop in the birth rate, a veritable demographic winter that jeopardizes the future of society,” said Pope Francis.
(APA)