Speaking before a delegation from the International Network of Catholic Legislators, Pope Francis said the world needed to revive the spirit of hope that prompted the creation of the International Organization for Diplomatic Cooperation after World War II.
Lisa Zengarini
Pope Francis on Saturday encouraged Catholic lawmakers to “be witnesses of hope,” especially for younger generations, amid the darkness of war that has enveloped the world.
Catholics are called to “find the wisdom and strength to see beyond the clouds and, with the hope that comes from their faith, to inspire others, especially young people, to work for a better tomorrow,” he said.
The Pope was addressing participants in the 15th annual meeting of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN), currently taking place in Rome.
Founded in 2010, ICLN is a nonpartisan organization that connects and supports committed Christian leaders serving in public office, regardless of political affiliation, by building a growing international network.
Its mission is to provide them with spiritual and doctrinal formation and global networking opportunities to equip them to demonstrate virtuous and effective leadership committed to the dignity of every human being.
The theme of this year's conference is “A World at War: Persistent Crisis and Conflict – What Does it Mean for Us?”
World War III was fought in pieces
In his address, Pope Francis noted that this theme is particularly timely in the context of what he has once again defined as a “Third World War, fought in fragments”, a situation that “seems 'permanent' and unstoppable” and that “seriously jeopardizes the patient efforts made by the international community to promote cooperation, especially through multilateral diplomacy.”
To contribute to reflection on responding to the crisis, the Pope offered three considerations to share with all people of good will, especially those moved by the Gospel message of fraternity, justice and peace.
renounce war to settle disputes
First, he emphasized the “necessity of renouncing war as an appropriate means of settling disputes and establishing justice.”
He noted that this is even more urgent today, when the unprecedented destructive power of modern weapons has fundamentally changed the nature of modern warfare and “the distinction between military and civilian targets is increasingly disappearing.”
“Our conscience cannot help but be moved by the images of death and destruction that take place before our eyes every day,” the Pope said. “We need to listen to the cry of the poor, to see the depths of evil that are at the root of war and to be determined to choose peace at all costs.”
“Surrender is not the capitulation of one nation to another, but the war itself, the true defeat.”
Patience and perseverance in peace negotiations
The second point mentioned by Pope Francis was “perseverance and perseverance” in pursuing the path to peace through negotiation, mediation and arbitration, “fostered by renewed confidence in the structures of international cooperation,” which he said “reform and renewal are needed to adapt to current circumstances.”
In this regard, he also stressed the need to adhere to international humanitarian law and give it a “stronger legal basis than ever before”.
He said this would include working “for an ever fairer distribution of the earth's goods” to overcome “the shameful inequalities and injustices that have been the source of long-lasting conflicts around the world”.
Dialogue for the common good
Pope Francis said that conflicts in any field are sometimes “unavoidable” because they are part of human nature, but that “fruitful solutions are possible through a spirit of dialogue, consideration for others and their reasons, and a common commitment to justice in pursuit of the common good.”
“You can't get out of a conflict alone, but you can get out of a conflict together with others.”
We need to inspire hope
Finally, Pope Francis stressed the need to “revive the spirit of hope that led to the establishment of structures of cooperation for peace after the Second World War.”
He therefore encouraged Catholic legislators to be “models of hope and idealism” that can build a better future, “countering the messages of pessimism and cynicism” to which young people in particular are often exposed today.
“I hope that your commitment to the common good, fuelled by trust in the promises of Christ, will be an example to young people,” the Pope concluded.
