in memory of Pope Francis, a man of Peace in Action
and to the Catholic Church and Christians around the world
faith and action rhyme:
Pope Francis's Easter message
ceasefire now
this longed-for tidal
wave of peace can rise up
FYI:
Palestine Chronicle, April 21: Pope Francis’ Passing: His Key Statements on Gaza and the Ongoing Genocide
In the final years of his papacy, he consistently spoke out about the war in Gaza, expressing concern for civilians and calling for peace and humanitarian access.
Since October 9, 2023, Pope Francis has been calling Gaza’s Holy Family Parish every evening—brief conversations at 7 PM, marked by simple, human questions: “How are you?” “What did you eat?”
These nightly calls, as reported by Vatican News, offered a vital sense of connection and comfort to the more than 600 people, both Christians and Muslims, sheltering in the parish’s church and school. He always ended with a blessing, making the sign of the cross and saying, “Muchas gracias, grazie tante.”
Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, leaves behind a legacy defined by his steadfast calls for peace and justice in Gaza, persistently urging ceasefires, condemning violence, and advocating for the protection of civilians.
Investigation into ‘Genocide’
In a book released ahead of the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis called for an investigation into the unfolding genocide in Gaza, urging the world not to look away from the suffering of its people.
“I am thinking above all of those who leave Gaza in the midst of the famine that has struck their Palestinian brothers and sisters given the difficulty of getting food and aid into their territory,” the pontiff wrote.
He went further, raising the alarm on the potential severity of the situation: “According to some experts,” Pope Francis noted, “what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide. It should be carefully investigated to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies.”
Nativity Scene
On December 8, 2024, Pope Francis unveiled the Vatican’s annual nativity scene, which featured baby Jesus draped in a Palestinian keffiyeh, according to Vatican News.
This symbolic addition underscored the Holy Family’s connection to Bethlehem and served as a nod to the Palestinian struggle.
Easter Message
He expressed particular solidarity with the people of Gaza and the Christian community there, where “the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation.”
“I appeal once again,” he said, “for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip”.
The Pope urged the international community to take action and “come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”
Added:
flanked by Swiss guards
Pope in a wooden casket ...
behind high walls
politicking over the successor
becomes intense and darker
FYI: The Guardian, April 22: Vatican power struggle: will an ‘anti-Francis’ pope emerge from conclave?
The death of Pope Francis will throw into sharp relief the internecine power struggle that has been a hallmark of his papacy
In the coming days, a ferocious battle for the future of the church will be played out with the highest of stakes within the sanctity of the Sistine Chapel.
And Conclave Movie Quotes
This is a conclave, Aldo, it’s not a war.
It is a war! And you have to commit to a side.
Certainty is the great enemy of unity. Certainty is the deadly enemy of tolerance.
