Posted on 08/21/2014 2:25:43 PM PDT by NYer
.- Pope Francis has reportedly called the family of U.S. journalist James Foley, who was beheaded by ISIS militants earlier this week.
According to NBC News, a Vatican spokesperson said Thursday that the Pope called Foley’s family, who was grateful and moved by the gesture.
On Aug. 19, the Islamic State (ISIS), a militant group that controls territory in Syria and Iraq, released a graphic video titled “A Message to America” which shows the beheading of Foley, who had gone missing in Syria in 2012. U.S. officials have now confirmed the authenticity of the video.
The insurgents said that Foley’s execution was in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq. They warned that they have another missing American journalist, Steven Joel Sotloff, in captivity, saying that his life depends on U.S. President Barack Obama’s actions.
Foley’s parents, John and Diane, have voiced gratitude for the prayers offered for their son and the entire family.
“We thank God for the gift of Jim. We are so, so proud of him,” said Diane Aug. 20 She added that they prayed to God for strength and were grateful that “God has given us so many prayers” throughout James’ captivity.
“It's not difficult to find solace in this point in time,” John stated. “We know he is in God's hands, and we know he’s done God’s work.”
“We need the courage and prayers now to continue without him.”
Like. Don’t care for this pope but this was a wonderfully decent gesture.
TRANSLATOR. God bless the Foley family.
Wonderful gesture.
And he still hasn’t found the sixty seconds necessary to call Cardinal Wuerl and remind him that giving Communion to Nancy Pelosi is a mortal sin.
(And Dolan, Gomez, Chaput, O’Malley...)
He speaks English.
He probably has interpreters - and it was a nice gesture - at least some of us think so.
The bee bonnet crowd is out and buzzing about. Can’t even give the Pope a break on a lovely gesture!
If it were my child - and i am in awe of the strength of these parents - I’d be comforted to have prayers from The Pope for my child. In any language.
I’d be a basket case if it were my son.
I am thankful for the Pope’s compassion.
The parents behavior is odd to me, sorry to say. I’d be under heavy medication. It reminds me of Chris Steven’s mother’s odd behavior.
It was a beautiful thing for His Holiness to do, but your comment sent scenarios spinning in my head.
Hello? What? I can't understand what you're saying. [ I don't know, he's speaking another language. I'll ask. ] Who is this?
“I’d be under heavy medication.”
Maybe they are-—it could account for the odd behavior.
Or it could be just shock.
.
Ok, for the usual cynics and Catholic bashers, The Foleys were interviewed this morning on Today. The Pope spoke English to the parents (and talked about his own loss of family members) and spoke Spanish to one of the family’s in-laws.
Pope Francis was recently in Korea where he delivered several reflections in English. He was also able to ad lib in English but switched to Italian when he wanted to expand on a topic.
I speak French and Italian well enough to express my condolences to a grieving family. IOW, one need not be fluent in any language to comprehend the suffering of another and convey one's sympathy and prayers.
I am not Catholic, and not very religious, but I think this is a very human gesture.
What was it that owe bama said to the parents?
Yes. Actions are the language of love. I’m sure whatever language he spoke conveyed his love to the Foley family be it English or not.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.