Pope: “Peace Requires Dignified Compromises”
The Holy Father gave a speech during his new pastoral trip to Luxembourg
Pope Francis has begun his new apostolic journey, which includes stops in Luxembourg and Belgium and will continue through September 29.
In his address to the Luxembourg authorities, the Holy Father returned to the topic of wars that plague the world and the need to initiate peace processes.
“Your country has distinguished itself by its commitment to building a united and solidarity Europe in which each country, small or large, played its own role, eventually leaving behind divisions, conflicts, and wars caused by vexed nationalism and evil ideologies. Ideologies are always the enemies of democracy,” Pope Francis explained.
The Pope called for the use of wisdom and cooperation, “the benefits of cooperation among peoples in the face of the catastrophic consequences of hardening attitudes and selfish, short-sighted, or even violent pursuit of self-interest. In fact, there is an urgent need for those in authority to exercise perseverance and patience in honest negotiations to resolve disputes, seeking worthy compromises that jeopardize nothing and that can instead ensure peace and security for all.”
Francis also spoke of the sadness related to the fact that “the investments that yield the highest returns are those in weapons factories,” adding that the world is “sick” with a “very dangerous sclerosis” and there is “useless mass murder” going on.
Luxembourg’s immense wealth was also mentioned: “Wealth is a responsibility” and should be shared with those who have less.
