At the Angelus Pope Leo XIV denounces the persecutions against Christians in the world, not only physical but also ideological
It’s about time a Pope spoke about the persecutions against Christians in the world. It was clear that Francis cared more about migrants (often Muslims) and that the harassment suffered by Christians was not among his priorities. Leo XIV instead underlines yet another difference with his predecessor and returns to this painful and urgent theme, a reality that crosses continents. At the Angelus on November 16, the Pontiff recalled that repression does not manifest itself only with violence and weapons, but also with more refined and insidious tools: «The persecution of Christians does not only happen with weapons and mistreatment, but also with words, through lies and ideological manipulation.”
The call to believers
Leo XIV called the believing communities to bear witness: «When we are oppressed by these evils, physical and moral, we are called to bear witness to the truth that saves the world, to the justice that redeems peoples from oppression, to the hope that indicates the path to Peace for all.” A message that clearly indicates the act of faith that a Christian must make, even in the most difficult moments of discomfort and even persecution.
The invitation not to give in to fear
The Pope also urges “not to be overcome by fear”, commenting on chapter 21 of the Gospel of Luke. In particular, it delves into Jesus’ reaction to the prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent period of wars, earthquakes and persecutions. Send a message of hope by remembering that «the disasters and sorrows of history have an end, while the joy of those who recognize the Savior in Him is destined to last forever». The promise of Jesus Therefore «It instills in us the strength to resist the threatening events of history and to every offense; let us not remain powerless in the face of pain.” A further reference to the Christian faith as a source of refuge from the Evil of the world, as a point of reference for overcoming difficulties.
The map of persecutions
The Pope then recalled the numerous regions in which Christians are attacked and discriminated against: Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan and other countries where attacks and intimidation are commonplace. Too long a list. And the Pontiff rightly invites us to don’t forget those who fight and suffer every day for their religious ideas. An unacceptable situation, as confirmed by the President of the Chamber Lorenzo Fontana: «The appeal of Pope Leo XIV in defense of Christians in the world is a call to action for the international community”.
The value of martyrdom
The Pontiff cited the martyrs as a historical compass. An appeal made before sharing lunch in the Paul VI Hall with 1300 poor people: a concrete, poetic and spiritual gesture, because – as the Pope recalls – «throughout the history of the Church, It is above all the martyrs who remind us that God’s grace is capable of transfiguring even violence into a sign of redemption.”
