FrancIsco's interview with La Stampa: “A global ceasefire is urgently needed, we are on the edge of the abyss.” On the Fiducia supplicans statement: “I trust that everyone will be reassured, it aims to include, not divide.” “I feel like a priest. From a planetary community”
VATICAN NEWS
“There was the Oslo Accords, clearly, with the twostate solution. Until this agreement is implemented, true peace remains far away.” This is the reflection of what is happening in the Holy Land after the Hamas attacks and the war that is destroying the cities of the Gaza Strip, which Pope Francis said in an interview with Domenico Agasso, a Vatican expert from La Stampa, entrusted The newspaper in stands today. Francis speaks of the numerous ongoing conflicts and invites people to pray for peace, calls dialogue as the only way and asks to “immediately stop the bombs and missiles and put an end to the hostile attitudes.” Everywhere,” a “global ceasefire” because “we are on the brink.”
Hopes for the Holy Land and Ukraine
The Pope explains his objection to defining a war as “just,” preferring to say that it is legitimate to defend oneself, but avoiding “justifying wars, which are always wrong.” Although he fears a military escalation, he has hope “because there are private meetings to reach an agreement. A ceasefire would already be a good result.” Francis defines Cardinal Pizzaballa as “a decisive figure” who “moves well” and tries to mediate, recalls a daily video call to the Gaza community and also explains that “the release the Israeli hostages” is a priority. With regard to Ukraine, the Successor of Peter recalls the mission with Cardinal Zuppi in an interview: “The Holy See is trying to mediate the exchange of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian civilians. We are working in particular with Ms. Maria Llova.” Belova, the Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights, for the return of Ukrainian children who were forcibly abducted to Russia. Some have already returned to their families.”
Fiducia supplicans would like to include
In the interview, Francisco recalls that “Christ calls everyone inward” and, referring to the declaration that allows blessings for irregular and samesex couples, he explains: “The gospel is to sanctify everyone. Of course, as long as there is good will.” . And it is necessary to give precise instructions for the Christian life (I emphasize that we do not bless the community, but the people). But we are all sinners: why then make a list of sinners who can enter the church and a list? of sinners who cannot be in church? That’s not the gospel.”
Regarding criticism of the document, the Pope notes that “those who protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups,” while he defines Africans as “a separate case,” since “homosexuality for them, from a cultural point of view, is something 'bad ' is”. From their point of view, they don't tolerate it. But overall, “I trust that everyone will gradually be reassured by the spirit of the declaration,” which “aims to include, not divide. It invites us to welcome people and then trust them and entrust ourselves to God.” Francis admits that sometimes he has feelings alone, “but in any case I move forward day by day” and says he is not afraid before divisions: “In the Church there have always been small groups that expressed reflections with schismatic nuances … we must let them do that and let them pass” … and look forward”.
Artificial intelligence, opportunities and threats
The Pope then addresses the theme of his recent message for World Communications Day, dedicated to artificial intelligence, which he defines as “a beautiful step forward” that can solve many problems, but which has potential if applied unethically , can also cause a lot of damage to men.” The aim is that it is “always in harmony with human dignity”, otherwise “it is a suicide”.
Upcoming trips
Francisco says he feels good despite some pain and is not thinking about retiring at the moment. He recalls upcoming trips to Belgium, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia in August. He defines “in brackets” the hypothesis of a trip to Argentina and says that he was not offended by Milei's words during the election campaign and confirms that he will meet with the new president in the coming days, shortly after the canonization of the Argentine saint will be “Mama Antula,” scheduled for February 11th. Ready to talk to him.
The coming church and the conclave 11 years ago
After recalling on Universal Children's Day that “they are teachers of life” and that they must be listened to, the Pope reiterated his dream of a “Church on the way out” and recalled the events that, in his words, took place during the General Congregations happened before the 2013 conclave: “After my speech there was applause, unprecedented in such a context. But I had absolutely no idea what many would later reveal to me: this speech was my 'condemnation' (smiles, nda). As I was leaving the “Synod Hall,” an Englishspeaking cardinal saw me and shouted, “What you said is very good!” Beautiful. Nice. We need a Pope like you!” But I hadn’t noticed the campaign that was forming to get me elected. Until lunch on March 13th, here at Casa Santa Marta, a few hours before the decisive vote. While we were eating, they said they asked me two or three “suspicious” questions… Then I started saying to myself in my head, “Something strange is going on here…” But I still managed to take a nap. And when they chose me, I had a surprising feeling of peace within me.” Finally, Francisco confided to “La Stampa” that he felt like “a priest.” Of course I come from a very large parish, planetary, but I like to keep the spirit of a priest. And being among people. Wherever I am I will find God.”