Pope to Catholic legislators:’ Our war-weary world needs hope for peace’ – Vatican News

By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis on Saturday encouraged Catholic legislators “to be witnesses of hope,” particularly for the younger generations, amidst the darkness of war overshadowing the world.  Catholics are called “to find wisdom and strength to see beyond the clouds and, with the hope born of faith, to inspire others, especially the young, to work for a better tomorrow,” he said.

The Pope was addressing participants in the fifteenth Annual Meeting of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) taking place in Rome. The ICLN is a non-partisan association founded in 2010 connecting and supporting dedicated Christian leaders in public office, irrespective of their political affiliation, by building a growing international network. Its mission is to offer them spiritual and doctrinal formation and global networking opportunities, so they can exercise virtuous and effective leadership that is committed to the dignity of every human being.

The theme chosen for this year’s meeting is “The World at War: Permanent Crises and Conflicts – What Does It Mean for Us?”.

Third world war fought piecemeal

In his address Pope Francis noted that the theme is particularly timely against the backdrop of what he again defined as a ” third world war fought piecemeal” which “seems ‘permanent’, and unstoppable,” and  “seriously jeopardizes the patient efforts made by the international community, above all through multilateral diplomacy, to encourage cooperation.”

As a contribution to their reflection on possible responses to the crisis to share with all men and women of good will, particularly those inspired by the Gospel message of fraternity, justice and peace, Pope Francis offered three considerations.

Renouncing war to solve conflicts

First, “the imperative of renouncing war as a suitable means of resolving conflicts and establishing justice.”  This, he noted, is all the more urgent today in light of the radically different nature of contemporary warfare due to the unprecedented destructive capacity of modern weaponry and where “the distinction between military and civilian targets is increasingly erased.”

“Our consciences cannot fail to be moved by the daily scenes of death and destruction daily before our eyes”, the Pope said.  “We need to hear the cry of the poor in order to see the abyss of evil at the heart of war and to resolve by every means possible to choose peace.”