Pope Francis condemns ‘plague of terrorism’ after Istanbul attack

Alasdair Sandford

 

 

ROME: -- Pope Francis has condemned the deadly attack in Istanbul and offered prayers for the victims, their families and the entire Turkish people.

 

He urged support for people of good will who “courageously roll up their sleeves to face the plague of terrorism”.

 

His comments came during his New Year address to a crowd of tens of thousands of people in St Peter’s Square, in a departure from his prepared text.

 

Speaking on the day the Catholic Church marks its World Day of Peace, the Pope said peace was built by rejecting hate and violence, and saying “yes” to brotherhood and reconciliation.

 

Earlier the Pope led a New Year Mass at the Vatican, citing the Bible as he criticised a sense of isolation in today’s society.

 

“The loss of the ties that bind us, so typical of our fragmented and divided culture, increases this sense of orphanhood and, as a result, of great emptiness and loneliness. The lack of physical (and not virtual) contact is cauterizing our hearts and making us lose the capacity for tenderness and wonder, for pity and compassion,” Pope Francis said.

 

-- © Copyright Euronews 2017-01-02

This from a man who previously asked everyone to show love and accept this culture, not very long ago.....

 

I recommend he organize a global outreach of love and healing. First toMecca  where he can preach the gospel, then on to Karachi, Lahore, Kabul and Tehran where he can  embrace the residents and share his message of peace and love. After that, he can visit  Damascus and Mosul and offer his support to the residents.

 

The day I look up to a religious leader speaking of peace and love is a long way off I think.

Pope, a verbal condemnation just doesn't cut it. Daesh have no shame.

 

For them, only the "sword" is more powerful than the word.