Pope meeting youths of the Italian Catholic Action (Azione Cattolica Ragazzi) (VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Foto)
By Lisa Zengarini
Dec 18 2023
Meeting some 70 boys and girls of the Italian Catholic Action Pope Francis turns his thoughts to the children suffering war in Gaza, Ukraine and Yemen and reminds them that the gift of God’s love at Christmas invites us to love Him, the others and also His creation.
Only by loving God and loving each other “will the world find the light and peace it needs,” Pope Francis said on Friday as he met young members of the Italian Catholic Action (Azione Cattolica Ragazzi) for the exchange the Christmas greetings.
In his prepared remarks to the youths, accompanied by the President and the General Assistant, their leaders and educators, the Pope recalled the many peoples, especially children, suffering war in the world.
Stopping the spiral of violence that kills thousands of children
He mentioned in particular the thousands of children who have died since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza over two months ago, but also those killed in Ukraine after the Russian invasion, and in the years-long war in Yemen.
“Their memory – said the Pope – invites us to in turn be lights for the world, to touch the hearts of many people, especially those who can stop the spiral of violence.”
Loving God, the others and His creation
The “wonderful gift” of God’s love at Christmas invites us to love Him, but it also shows “that we too can love one another as brothers,” Pope Francis said.
He then drew attention to another love that ensues from God’s love: that for His creation.
In this regard, he expressed his appreciation the slogan the Italian Catholic association has chosen this year, ‘This is Your Home!’:the theme “ helps you understand that God calls us to recognize and respect the beauty that surrounds us, in nature and in people, and thus to grow in sharing and brotherhood”, he said, encouraging them follow this path with commitment, which is in itself a message of hope.
Concluding, Pope Francis exhorted the boys and girls of Azione Cattolica to heed God’s invitation by embracing “with their friendship and tenderness, heaven and earth.” – Vatican News
