Pope Leo XIV: Palestinians and Israelis must see each other as brothers and sisters

- Carol Glatz, Vatican City, CNS

"We ask God, the only Peace of humanity, to heal all wounds and help us with his grace to realize what now seems humanly impossible. To rediscover that the other is not an enemy, but a brother or sister to be seen, forgiven and offered the hope of reconciliation," the Pope said on October 12, referring to Israelis and Palestinians.

"A spark of hope in the Holy Land."

Before praying the Àngelus after the Mass in St. Peter's Square in the framework of the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, the Pope stressed that "the agreement to initiate the peace process has produced a spark of hope in the Holy Land".

Led by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, the first phase of the agreement was approved by Israel and Hamas. The plan includes a ceasefire, hostage and prisoner exchanges, and humanitarian aid for Gaza.

The Israeli army declared that it initiated a ceasefire in Palestinian territory on October 10 and is withdrawing from parts of the Gaza Strip. Further negotiations are expected to take place to define the details of the next phases of the peace agreement.

Gaza: to courageously pursue the path of choice

Pope Leo XIII affirmed: "I encourage the parties involved to courageously pursue the path they have chosen, towards a just and lasting peaceThe company has also been asked by the Israeli government to "respect the legitimate aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples".

"Two years of conflict have caused death and destruction throughout the country, especially in the hearts of those who have brutally lost their children, parents, friends and possessions," he said. "With the whole Church, I join in their immense grief."

"The Lord's gentle touch is especially addressed to you today, with the certainty that even in the midst of the deepest darkness, He always remains with us: 'Dilexi teI have loved you,'" the Pope said, referring to his first major document, published on October 9.

Ukraine: call for an end to violence

Pope Leo then expressed his sorrow for "the recent violent attacks that affected several cities and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, causing the death of innocent people, including children, and leaving many families without electricity and heating."

The AFP news agency reported that Russia launched drone and missile strikes in Ukraine on October 11, killing at least five people, damaging part of the energy infrastructure and cutting power supplies to parts of the southern Odessa region.

"My heart goes out to those who suffer, to those who have been living in anguish and deprivation for years," Pope Leo said. "I renew my appeal to put an end to violence, to stop the destruction, to open ourselves to dialogue and peace."

True faith transforms

In his homily at the Jubilee Mass of Marian Spirituality, which began earlier in the day, Pope Leo XIV noted that Christians must avoid using their faith to label those who are different - often the poor - as enemies to be avoided and shunned.

"Some forms of worship do not foster communion with others and can numb our hearts," he said.

"Mary's path follows that of Jesus, who leads us to encounter every human being, especially the poor, the wounded and sinners," Pope Leo added. "For this reason, authentic Marian spirituality brings to light in the Church the tenderness of God, his way of being a mother."

Jesus, in the center

Marian spirituality, "which nourishes our faith, has Jesus at its center," Pope Leo said in his homily. Remembering Jesus Christ is the important thing.

"Sunday's celebration, therefore, should make us Christians," he said. "It should fill our thoughts and feelings with the burning memory of Jesus and transform our way of living together and our way of inhabiting the earth."

The Pope reflected on the Gospel of the day, where Jesus healed ten lepers (Lk 17:11-19). Although they all came to him and were healed, only one, a stranger, thanked Jesus and glorified God.

"The lepers in the Gospel who do not return to give thanks remind us that God's grace can touch us and find no response," he said. "It can heal us, but we still may not accept it." "Let us beware, then, of going up to the temple in a way that does not lead us to follow Jesus," he said.

Events and places blessed by God

"Dear friends, in a world that seeks justice and peace, let us revive Christian spirituality and popular devotion to the events and places blessed by God that have changed the face of the earth forever," he said finally.

"Let us use them as an engine of renewal and transformation," he said, especially during the Holy Year, which stimulates conversion, restitution, reflection and liberation.

Petitions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

"Holy Virgin, Mother of Christ, our hope," she concluded, "your solicitous presence in this Year of Grace accompanies us and consoles us and gives us, in the dark nights of history, the certainty that in Christ evil is conquered and every man is redeemed by his love," she affirmed.

"To your Immaculate Heart we entrust the whole world and all humanity, especially your children, tormented by the scourge of war," she said. "Advocate of grace, advise us on the path of reconciliation and forgiveness. Do not cease to intercede for us, in joy and in sorrow, and obtain for us the gift of peace that we insistently implore."

Associations inspired by Marian devotion

Before reciting the Angelus, Leo XIV addressed the more than fifty thousand faithful and pilgrims who filled St. Peter's Square and the Via della Conciliazione for this Jubilee of Marian Spirituality. 

"You represent the multifaceted reality of associations, movements and communities inspired by Marian devotion, proper to every Christian. I thank you and urge you to always base your spirituality on Sacred Scripture and the Tradition of the Church."

And he greeted "all the groups of pilgrims, especially the Augustinian laity from Italy and the Secular Order of the Discalced Carmelites".

He also had words for the "dear" people of Peru "in this moment of political transition". And for the victims of industrial accidents, a growing tragedy that is being commemorated today in Italy with a special day.