The apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon allowed Pope Leo XIV to assure thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square for Sunday's Angelus that his trip “teaches us that peace is possible. And that Christians, in dialogue with men and women of other religions and cultures, can contribute to building it. Let us not forget that peace is possible,” he reiterated.
After a brief reflection on the Gospel of this second Sunday of Advent, focusing on the figure of the precursor, St. John the Baptist, and his message of conversion, the Pope recited the Marian prayer of the Angelus. He then commented that a few days ago he returned from his first apostolic trip to Turkey and Lebanon, which Omnes reported on daily.
7 conclusions from the trip
León XIV has summarized the trip in seven points.
1.- “Together with my dear brother Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, and representatives of other Christian denominations, gathered to pray together in Iznik, ancient Nicea, where the first ecumenical council was held 1,700 years ago.
Today marks the 60th anniversary of the joint declaration by Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras, which put an end to mutual excommunications, he recalled.
“Let us give thanks to God and Let us renew our commitment on the path toward the full visible unity of all Christians.".
2. “In Turkey, I have had the joy of finding the Catholic community. Through the patient dialogue and service to those who suffer, This community bears witness to the Gospel of love and to God's logic, which is manifested in smallness.”
3.- “The Lebanon remains a mosaic of coexistence and it has comforted me to hear so many testimonies in this regard.”.
4.- I have found people who proclaim the Gospel welcoming the displaced, visiting prisoners, sharing bread with the needy.
5.- “It has comforted me to see so many people on the street greeting me y I have been moved the meeting with the relatives of the victims of the explosion in the port of Beirut.
6- “The Lebanese were hoping for a word and a presence of comfort, but it was they who comforted me with their faith and enthusiasmI am grateful to everyone who has accompanied me with their prayers!
7.– “What has happened in recent days in Türkiye and Lebanon teaches us that peace is possible and that Christians, in dialogue with men and women of other religions and cultures, can help build it".
Close to the peoples of South and Southeast Asia
“I am close to the peoples of South and Southeast Asia, who have been severely affected by recent natural disasters,“ the Pope also said.
The Holy Father prays “for the victims, for the families who mourn their loved ones, and for those who are providing assistance. I urge the international community and all people of good will to support our brothers and sisters in these regions with gestures of solidarity.”.
The Pope warmly greeted all of you, Romans and pilgrims. “I greet all those who have come from other parts of the world, in particular the Peruvian faithful from Pisco, Cusco, and Lima. To the Poles, also remembering the Day of Prayer and Material Support for the Church in the East. Also to the group of Portuguese students. And to the Italian parish groups.
Before the Angelus
Commenting on Sunday's Gospel, Pope Leo said that “certainly, the tone of the Baptist is severe, but the people listen to him because his words echo God's call not to play with life, to seize the present moment to prepare for the encounter with the One who does not judge by appearances, but by the works and intentions of the heart.”.
He also pointed out that the world needs hope, and that “nothing is impossible for God. Let us prepare ourselves for his Kingdom, let us welcome it. The smallest one, Jesus of Nazareth, will guide us. He, who placed himself in our hands, from the night of his birth to the dark hour of his death on the cross, shines in our history like the rising sun.”.
“A new day has begun: let us wake up and walk in its light! Let us learn to do so like Mary, our Mother, a woman who waits with confidence and hope,” he concluded.
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