VATICAN CITY (AP) — Bidding farewell to 2017, Pope Francis on Sunday decried wars, injustices, social and environmental degradation and other man-made ills which he said spoiled the year.
Francis presided at a New Year’s Eve prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica, a traditional occasion to say thanks in each year’s last hours.
In his homily, the pope said God gave to us a “whole and sound” year, but “we humans in so many ways ruined and hurt it with works of death, with lies and injustices.”
The pope said God gave to us a “whole and sound” year, but “we humans in so many ways ruined and hurt it.”
“The wars are the flagrant sign of this repeated and absurd pride,” he said. “But so are all the little and big offenses against life, truth, brotherhood, that cause multiple forms of human, social and environmental degradation.”
Francis added: “We want to, and must assume, before God, our brothers and Creation our responsibility” for the harm.
Despite the gloom, Francis said “gratitude prevails” thanks to those who “cooperate silently for the common good.” He singled out parents and educators who try to raise young people with a sense of responsible ethics.
After the solemn service, Francis strolled outside, briskly crisscrossing St. Peter’s
Square to shake hands and banter with well-wishers, and kiss babies held by some of the thousands of faithful who waited for hours for a glimpse of him. The evening was warm, and Francis went without the white coat an aide carried for him. During his nearly hour-long walkabout outdoors, he stopped to admire a life-sized Nativity scene in the middle of the square.
In keeping with past practice, the pope will celebrate Mass dedicated to the theme of world peace on New Year’s Day.
I agree with Pope Francis that war is wrong, except. in extraordinary circumstances; no civilians may be targeted, and diplomatic efforts must be exhausted before conflicts may begin. I also support the Catholic Climate Covenant, in order to help protect our environment without the justification of abortion. Being gay and not having children (which would mean so much to me) I do have 3 nieces and 1 nephew who I cared for when they were children (they're now adults). I believe that parents are the primary educators of their children, but as a retired Special Education teacher who often made mistakes, I did see my brain damaged students as my children. Finally, I agree with the Pope about fighting injustice by prayer and action. I have had sex with men, but have gone to the Sacrament of Reconciliation with compassionate priests to receive forgiveness. Let's hope that more Catholics go to confession, as Jesus wants us to be free from sin.
What are the lies? Before doing something about any wrong, the wrong has to be described.
Just follow Trump's twitter feed for lies at the highest level of government pushing us towards war and away from caring from the planet that helps sustain humanity.
That is a real coup for Trump. The Pope follows his tweets.
It's always good to see how the Adversary is influencing the world.