Pope: Reject hatred and vengeance, carry out acts of peace

(Vatican Radio) Speaking ahead of the Angelus at the conclusion of the Holy Mass on Sunday, Pope Francis appealed once again for peace in the Holy Land. “I am following with great concern the situation of high tension and violence that afflicts the Holy Land,” he said. “In this moment,” he continued, “there is need of great courage and great strength of soul in order to say ‘No’ to hatred and vengeance, and to carry out acts of peace.”

Pope Francis prayed that God might strengthen both political leaders and people, that they might have the courage to oppose violence and to take concrete steps aimed at decreasing tensions. In the present Middle East context, he said, peace in the Holy Land is more crucial than ever: “God, and the good of humanity, seek this of us.”