Pope Francis' advocacy towards peace and reconciliation was once more highlighted during his Good Friday homily at St. Peter's Square. During this special gathering of Catholic faithful numbering to tens of thousands, Pope Francis slammed the harsh stand of European countries over migrants, and likewise rebuked arms dealers, pedophile priests and fundamentalists.
Yahoo News reported that Pope Francis referred to Europe's stand as an "indifferent and anesthetized conscience." The Pope was referring to the multitudes of migrants who have been stranded in Greece after nations in Europe, along with Turkey, came to an agreement to close the route the migrants are taking towards northern Europe. These migrants are those fleeing countries in conflict such as Iraq and Syria.
Reports made by BBC said that according to the 79-year-old pontiff, "All too often, these brothers and sisters of ours meet along the way with death or, in any event, rejection by those who could offer them welcome and assistance." Pope Francis considers the closing of the route as an act of rejection of brothers in need.
Aside from directing his homily towards European nations, Pope Francis likewise took the opportunity to condemn pedophile priests whom the pope referred to as individuals who "divest the innocent of their dignity." He also didn't waste time in slamming arms dealers whom the pope said were feeding the "cauldron of war."
The pope later took to Twitter, giving emphasis to the importance of the Cross by which the world may respond or fight back against evil. He also included in his lamentations the killings done by persecutors of Christians.
The Cross is the word through which God has responded to evil in the world.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) March 25, 2016
Pope Francis' advocacy for peace had always included the condemnation of those who blatantly commit evil. Although he is quite old at 79, his passion towards correcting the evils of the world grants him the strength to face each brand new day.
