In a detailed interview with the Italian daily newspaper “La Stampa”, Pope Francis reiterated his conviction that the two-state solution is necessary for true peace in the Holy Land. In general, guns around the world must fall silent (“We are on the brink of the abyss”); war is always a defeat, according to the church leader. Regarding the “Fiducia supplicans” declaration, he expressed the hope that everyone could finally come to terms with it.
Pope Francis is alarmed by global “conflicts and divisions”. He said this in an important political speech to diplomats from around the world on Monday at the Vatican.
The Holy See's position on the geopolitical situation in the Holy Land has not changed, even after Hamas' recent attacks on Israel and the subsequent war. But taking into account the tens of thousands of deaths in the Gaza Strip, the Pope and his diplomats repeat them with even more force – most recently in an interview that Francis gave to the Vatican reporter for the Italian daily “La Stampa”, Domenico Agasso, in January this Monday was published. In it, Francis talks about the many ongoing conflicts around the world (“War is always a defeat, only arms dealers win”) and invites people to pray for peace (“Prayer is concrete, a fight with God ”). The Pope also identifies tireless dialogue as the only way forward and, above all, calls on political decision-makers to “immediately stop the bombs and rockets, to put an end to hostile attitudes. Everywhere.” A “global ceasefire” is needed because: “We are on the brink,” said the church leader.
“We are on the brink of the abyss”
“There were the Oslo Accords, which were very clear, with a two-state solution. Until this agreement is implemented, true peace will remain a long way off,” Francisco said in the interview. In this context, the Pope also explains that he refuses to speak of a “just war”. Although it is legitimate to defend oneself, it is not acceptable to “justify wars, which are always wrong”. Although he fears a military escalation, Francisco said in response to the reporter's question, at the same time he has a certain hope “because confidential meetings are taking place to try to reach an agreement”. A ceasefire would already be a good result”, said the Pope, referring to the war in the Middle East.
A “decisive figure” is the Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pizzaballa, “a great man” who “moves with skill” and tries to mediate between the parties. He himself is in contact every day via video conference with the Gaza community, where the people (“not Hamas”) have the right to a peaceful life – and yet face death in the face every day. On the other hand, “freeing the Israeli hostages” is also a priority.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, the Pope recalled in the interview the appointment of Cardinal Zuppi as peace envoy: “The Holy See is trying to mediate the exchange of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian civilians. In particular, we are working with Ms. Maria Llova-Belova, the Russian Commissioner for Children's Rights, to achieve the repatriation of trafficked Ukrainian children to Russia. “Some have already returned to their families,” said the Pope, giving an insight into the Holy See’s behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts.
“Fiducia suplicans” wants to be inclusive
The most recent statement from the Faith Department, “Fiducia supplcans”, was also the topic of conversation. In this context, Francis recalled that “Christ calls everyone” and, referring to the declaration that allows blessings for irregular and same-sex couples in certain circumstances, he declared: “The Gospel is for the sanctification of all. Of course, only if there is good will. And it is necessary to give precise instructions for Christian life (I emphasize that the association is not blessed, but the people). But we are all sinners: so why make a list of sinners who can enter the church and a list of sinners who cannot be in the church? That is not the gospel.”
“So why make a list of sinners who can enter the church and a list of sinners who cannot enter the church?”
However, those who “vehemently protest” against the document “belong to small ideological groups”, while the concentrated criticism from Africans represents a “special case”, since “for them, from a cultural point of view, homosexuality is something' ugly'”. and they don’t tolerate it.” But in general, “I trust that, little by little, everyone will come to terms with the spirit of the declaration,” which “seeks to include, not divide.” On the contrary, she invites people to “welcome them, entrust them to God and entrust themselves to him”. On this occasion, as in the recent interview with the Italian talk show “Che tempo che fa”, the Pope admits that sometimes he feels alone, but “he always moves forward, day by day”. But he is not afraid of divisions in the form of schism, he emphasizes: “In the Church there have always been small groups that had schismatic considerations… it is necessary to leave them alone and pass… and look forward”.
Artificial intelligence: opportunities and dangers
Pope Francis recently spoke about the topic of artificial intelligence in numerous statements, notably in his most recent message for World Communications Day. In the current interview, the church leader also discusses what hopes and concerns he has regarding this. On the one hand, artificial intelligence (AI) is a “wonderful advance that can solve many problems, but which, if treated unethically, can also potentially cause a lot of harm to people”, was the response of the religious leader, who briefly summarized which he elaborates more specifically on in his message. The objective must continue to be that AI is “always in harmony with human dignity”, otherwise “it becomes suicide”, warns Francisco.
Good health, possible trip
Despite some minor pain, he currently feels better than he did a short time ago. Francisco looks forward to future trips with enthusiasm, while denying any thoughts about a possible dismissal. The next trips will be to Belgium, as well as East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia in August, recalls Francisco. When it comes to a trip to his native Argentina, he doesn't want to commit yet (“planning hasn't started yet”), although he doesn't feel “insulted” by the sometimes extremely harsh words of the newly elected president I fought against him during the electoral campaign, assures Francisco (“Words in the electoral campaign come and go”). The Pope confirmed that he will also meet with the Argentine President on the occasion of the canonization of the Argentine saint “Mama Antula” scheduled for February 11th. He is ready to dialogue with him – “as with everyone”.
The future church and the conclave eleven years ago
Just a few weeks ago, Francis introduced “World Children's Day,” which will be celebrated for the first time in May. He presented it “because it was missing”, said Francisco in an interview with Stampa. In it he reiterates his view that children are “teachers of life” due to their purity and spontaneity and that they must be listened to. The goal of the day is to become aware of the world you want to leave for your children.
“This speech was my 'condemnation'”
He dreams of an “open-minded Church”, said Francis, who also recalls in this context the speech he gave during the penultimate general assemblies that preceded the 2013 conclave. A cardinal friend later made public the content of the speech: “After my speech there was applause, which is unusual in such a context. But I had no idea what many would show me later: that speech was my 'condemnation' (smiles, note). As I was leaving the synodal room, an English-speaking cardinal saw me and exclaimed: 'What you said is beautiful! Beautiful. Wonderful. We need a Pope like you!” But I hadn't noticed the campaign that was forming to elect me. Until lunch on March 13th, here at Casa Santa Marta, a few hours before the decisive vote. During the meal they asked me two or three 'suspicious' questions… Then he said to myself: 'Something strange is happening here…'. But I still managed to take a nap. And when they chose me, I felt a surprising sense of calm inside me.”
Francisco finally admits that he actually feels like “a priest” in the conversation: “Of course in a very large, global parish, but I want to maintain the spirit of a priest. And being among people. I always find God there.”
(Vatican news – cs)