POPE FRANCIS CALLS FOR END TO CONFLICT IN ISRAEL AND GAZA: ‘EVERY WAR IS A DEFEAT’

Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis southern Saturday, 7 October 2023.
(AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)

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Editor's Opinion | Wishful Thinking?

Remember the movie, 'Something Funny Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966)?’

               The Roman slave Pseudolus (Zero Mostel) schemes his way to freedom by playing matchmaker for his master's son, Hero, who is smitten with the blonde and beautiful Philia. However, things don't go at all according to plan.

So, maybe we're all headed toward a forum where the world helps Israel-Palestine toward their Quest To Coexist.

What a risk! Right now, it is something that is catastrophic, with many casualties that might happen on the way to an almost improbable forum. The timing cannot be more opportune. Israel has ingratiated itself with Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia has allied itself with Iran. The EU-US/NATO Axis is trying to contain Russia and China. The winds of war are in the air. The axiom, ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend’ might save the day.

The Palestinian people are forcing the Western Alliance, also known as the EU-US/NATO, in cahoots with the 50+ countries, often referred to as the 'Coalition of the Willing' (who call themselves 'the World Community) vis-a-vis the rest of the world to come to terms with all divides in the region.

Apartheid is the Elephant in the Room.

Take a good look at the image. Who wants to spend the rest of their lives behind that Iron Wall? East versus West and North versus South are on trial. Nobody wants another Armageddon. None wants a nuclear crater in their backyards.

This tragedy – a suicidal mission – might get worse before it gets better. There is only one option. Peace!

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By Gerard O'Connell
America – The Jesuit Review
8 October 2023

The Vatican – 8 October 2023 | "I am following apprehensively and sorrowfully what is happening in Israel where the violence has exploded even more ferociously, causing hundreds of deaths and casualties.

               I express my closeness to the families and victims.

               I am praying for them and all living hours of terror and anguish.

               May the attacks and weaponry cease.

               Please!

               Let it be understood that terrorism and war do not lead to any resolutions but only to the death and suffering of so many innocent people.

               War is a defeat!

               Every war is a defeat!

               Let us pray that there be peace in Israel and Palestine.1"

Pope Francis appealed for "a stop to the armed attacks" on Sunday, 8 October, as fighting continued between Hamas and Israeli forces in southern Israel near the border with Gaza, and Israeli jets continued bombing buildings in Gaza City. He called people worldwide "to pray that there be peace in Israel and Palestine."

He made his measured appeal when he greeted thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter's Square at midday on Sunday. He began by saying that he was following "with apprehension and pain…what is happening in Israel where the violence exploded even more rapidly, causing hundreds of deaths and wounded," referring to the previous day's unexpected attack on Israel by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip.

"I express my closeness to the victims' families," he said. "I pray for them and all those living through hours of terror and anxiety."

"Let the armed attacks stop, please," he said.

"Let it be understood that terrorism and war bring no solution but only death and the suffering of many innocent people. War is a defeat. Every war is a defeat. Let us pray that there be peace in Israel and Palestine."

1. POPE FRANCIS, ANGELUS, Saint Peter's Square, Sunday, 8 October 2023

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2023/documents/20231008-angelus.html