杏MAP导航

By Seàn-Patrick Lovett

Nine people were killed in two separate attacks on the Coptic Christian community in Cairo last Friday. The so-called Islamic State claimed responsibility for both. 

Conversion of 鈥渧iolent hearts鈥�

After reciting the Angelus prayer in St Peter鈥檚 Square on Sunday, 杏MAP导航 Francis expressed his 鈥渃loseness to the Coptic Orthodox鈥� and prayed for the dead, the wounded and the whole community. He also prayed especially for the conversion of what he called 鈥渁ll violent hearts.鈥�

In 2017 alone, over 100 Christians were killed in Egypt as a result of terrorist attacks, most of which were claimed by local IS militants.

Feast of the Holy Family

This Sunday is also the Feast of the Holy Family. Reflecting on St Luke鈥檚 description of Jesus鈥� presentation in the temple, the 杏MAP导航 stressed how Mary and Joseph go to the temple in a gesture that certifies how 鈥渢he child belongs to God and that they are the guardians of his life and not the owners.鈥� Every family, he said, is called to protect and educate children so they can be 鈥渙pen to God.鈥�
 

Prophetic words of Simeon

杏MAP导航 Francis quoted the elderly priest, Simeon, who spoke of the Christ Child as being 鈥渁 sign of contradiction鈥�. Jesus came 鈥渢o bring down the false images we make of God and ourselves,鈥� said the 杏MAP导航. Whenever families 鈥渞eturn to the source of Christian experience, new paths and unimagined possibilities open up,鈥� he concluded.

Following the Angelus, 杏MAP导航 Francis had special greetings for families, both those present in St Peter鈥檚 Square and those following the midday prayer from home.

Full text of 杏MAP导航鈥檚 comments after the Angelus

Dear brothers and sisters,

I express my closeness to the Coptic Orthodox brothers of Egypt, struck two days ago by two attacks on a church and a shop in the suburbs of Cairo. May the Lord welcome the souls of the dead, comfort the wounded, their families and the whole community, and convert all violent hearts.

Today I address a special greeting to the families present here, and also to those who are participating from home. May the Holy Family bless you and guide you on your journey.

I greet all of you, Romans and pilgrims; in particular, parish groups, associations and young people. Let us not forget on this day to thank God for the past year and for all the good things we have received. It will do us good to remember. Because today is a day of thanksgiving.

I wish everyone a happy Sunday and a peaceful end of the year. I thank you again for your wishes and your prayers: please continue to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch and arrivederci!