Scottish Catholic Observer

In one of his last Wednesday general audience’s before a summer break, Pope Francis appealed today for help for those of all faiths who are fleeing conflict, and spoke to assembled pilgrims about the nature of the Church.

The Holy Father will suspend his weekly address during the month of July, and he used this penultimate audience to highlight the plight of refugees.

“Millions of refugee families from different nations and of every religious faith live through dramatic stories and carry deep wounds that will be hard to heal” he said to the crowd gathered in St Peter’s Square. “May the Lord sustain those people and institutions who work with generosity to assure a welcome to refugees, recognise their dignity and give them reasons for hope.”

In a week in which thousands have fled violence in Iraq, and with continuing bloodshed and a worsening refugee crisis in Syria and nearby countries, the Pope asked the faithful to ‘be close to these people, sharing their fears and their uncertainty for the future, and alleviating their pain with concrete measures.’

Pope Francis’ appeal came after his catechesis, which began a new cycle devoted to the Church.

“The Church is not simply an institution but a mother, a family, a mystery which is meant to embrace the whole human race,” he said. “Founded by Jesus Christ, she traces her roots to the Old Testament… the history of God’s people, the Church, is thus one of God’s absolute fidelity, mercy and love; only by his unfailing aid can we overcome our sins and persevere in following the path he points out to us in Christ.

“Let us ask the Lord to sustain the Church on her journey of faith through history, to guide her to our heavenly homeland and to make her a blessing and a sign of God’s loving plan for all his children.”

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