BY Daniel Harkins | November 19 | 
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Pope calls for an end to spiral of violence and hatred in the Holy Land
Speaking during his weekly general audience, Pope Francis said he was following with concern the ‘unacceptable episodes of violence’ in Jerusalem
Pope Francis has called on those caught up in conflict in the Holy Land to put an end to violence and hatred.
In remarks made at his weekly general audience this morning, the Holy Father said he was ‘following with concern the alarming increase in tension in Jerusalem and other parts of the Holy Land, with unacceptable episodes of violence that do not spare even the places of worship.’
On Tuesday, two Palestinian men attacked a synagogue with a gun and meat cleavers, killing four rabbis and a police officer. Tensions and violence have increased in the city over recent months, with 11 Israelis killed in attacks and security forces killing a number of Palestinians. Disputes over holy sites and Israeli plans to build new settler homes in East Jerusalem have contributed to the hostility.
“I assure a special prayer for all the victims of this dramatic situation and for those who suffer most as a result,” Pope Francis said. “From the bottom of my heart, I make an appeal to the parties involved to put an end to the spiral of hatred and violence and to make courageous decisions for reconciliation and peace. Building peace is difficult, but living without peace is a torment!”
The Pope also spoke to pilgrims assembled for his weekly address about the universal call to holiness.
“Holiness truly is the most beautiful face of the Church, the most beautiful face,” the Pope said. “It is rediscovering ourselves in communion with God, in the fullness of His life and His love. It is understandable, then, that holiness is not the prerogative of only a few: holiness is a gift that is offered to all, without exception, so that it constitutes the distinctive character of every Christian.
“All of this helps us to realize that the call to holiness is not just for bishops, priests or religious. No. We are all called to become saints! So often, we are tempted to think that holiness is granted only to those who have the opportunity to break away from the ordinary tasks, to devote themselves to prayer. But it is not so!
“Some people think that holiness is closing your eyes and putting on a pious face… No! That is not holiness! Holiness is something greater, more profound that God gifts us. Indeed, it is by living with love and offering Christian witness in our daily tasks that we are called to become saints.”
The Holy Father concluded by saying we should accept the call to holiness with joy, adding: “Let us support one another, because we do not travel the path to holiness by ourselves, no, each on their own, but together, that one body which is the Church, loved and made holy by the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us go forward with courage, on this path towards holiness.”
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