From the Vatican:The Holy Father is following with deep concern the dramatic news reports coming from northern Iraq, which involve defenseless populations. Christian communities are particularly affected: a people fleeing from their villages because of the violence that rages in these days, wreaking havoc on the entire region.
At the Angelus prayer on July 20th, Pope Francis cried with pain: “[O]ur brothers and sisters are persecuted, they are pushed out, forced to leave their homes without the opportunity to take anything with them. To these families and to these people I would like to express my closeness and my steadfast prayer. Dearest brothers and sisters so persecuted, I know how much you suffer, I know that you are deprived of everything. I am with you in your faith in Him who conquered evil!”
In light of these terrible developments, the Holy Father renews his spiritual closeness to all those who are suffering through this painful trial, and makes the impassioned appeals of the local bishops his own, asking together with them in behalf of their sorely tried communities, that the whole Church and all the faithful raise up with one voice a ceaseless prayer, imploring the Holy Spirit to send the gift of peace.
His Holiness urgently calls on the international community to protect all those affected or threatened by the violence, and to guarantee all necessary assistance – especially the most urgently needed aid – to the great multitude of people who have been driven from their homes, whose fate depends entirely on the solidarity of others.
The Pope also appeals to the conscience of all people, and to each and every believer he repeats: “May the God of peace create in all an authentic desire for dialogue and reconciliation. Violence is not conquered with violence. Violence is conquered with peace! Let us pray in silence, asking for peace; everyone, in silence.... Mary Queen of peace, pray for us! (Angelus, July 20, 2014)”
Where is Obama?
Probably at the golf course.Seriously, last night, in his announcement, he announced support for the (Zoroastrian) Xysidis, but I sure didn't hear a word about him doing a darned thing about the massacre of Christians.
No, I'm not surprised.
Where are other world “leaders?”
To their credit (and my great shock), France has offered asylum to Iraqi Christians.Other countries (including the US government)? Not so much.
Pretty pitiful, if you ask me.
Selling women at market. NOW will be all over this as well as all liberals. Any second now you will hear some strong outrage. Any second now.
Thank you. I didn’t watch the king’s speech yesterday and only read about it after I posted.
Pitiful is right.
She has another title now??
No wonder.
“Violence is not conquered with violence. Violence is conquered with peace!”
Maybe true if you are dealing with people that have some morality, but like Nazism, ISIS is not moral. They will just behead anyone standing in their way. When one side doesn’t see a problem with killing, torturing, raping, and wiping out the other side, peace will never be achieved without violence.