Pope Francis voices hope about Iran deal, calls for end to persecution of Christians

Washington Post ^ | April 5 2015 | Sarah Pulliam Bailey

[WilliamIII]

In his Easter message, Pope Francis on Sunday praised the framework nuclear agreement with Iran while expressing deep worry about bloodshed in places such as Kenya, Iraq and Syria.

In his message on St. Peter’s Square, Francis noted the recent accord, reached in Lausanne, Switzerland, that aimed to ensure Iran doesn’t develop a nuclear weapon.

“In hope we entrust to the merciful Lord the framework recently agreed to in Lausanne, that it may be a definitive step toward a more secure and fraternal world,” he said in his message.

He prayed for Christians killed in countries such as Kenya, where at least 148 people were slain last week in an attack by the Somali militant group al-Shabab. He called on the international community to act in the face of the “immense humanitarian tragedy unfolding in these countries and the drama of the numerous refugees.”

“From the risen Lord we ask the grace not to succumb to the pride which fuels violence and war, but to have the humble courage of pardon and peace,” he said. “We ask Jesus, the Victor over death, to lighten the sufferings of our many brothers and sisters who are persecuted for his name, and of all those who suffer injustice as a result of ongoing conflicts and violence.”

[Gen.Blather]

Without demonization and persecution of something external Islam would fall upon itself like a pack of starving wolves. As one Israeli politician observed, “if there were no Jews Islam would be forced to invent us.”

[dila813]

Sounds like he is prescribing to the ideal that this deal is going to moderate the Islamist views of Christians

I think there is a stronger chance of this happening without a deal. I would have rather seen him pray to God without trying to find something in the secular world that would lead to this.

It gives the impression that he is asking God to play politics rather than just save Christians.

[Revel]

This pope has no real connection with common sense. How does he think that allowing Iran to have Nuclear bombs is going to bring peace to the world. And worse- Why can’t he recognize evil when he sees it. I don’t like this pope at all. He certainly does not give me divine tingles.

[Capt. Tom]

As one Israeli politician observed, “if there were no Jews Islam would be forced to invent us.”

Not really!
Islam is against all Infidels.(non- Muslims)
And there is a world-full of Infidels for Muslims to target.-Tom

[DoughtyOne]

While your point is valid, ISIS and the principle it represents is exactly what this person was addressing.

Without Israel in the Middle-East, those Arab nations would fall upon each other constantly. With Israel as the local focus, those folks have at least something in common.

Otherwise one faction of Islam against another against still another would be the norm. It already is to a certain extent.

[BushCountry]

He called on the international community to act in the face of the “immense humanitarian tragedy unfolding in these countries and the drama of the numerous refugees (by lifting the sanctions against the largest state sponsor of terrorism and giving them a clear path to the bomb). Wise man.

[lulu16]

Uhmn, Pope Francis, sir, did you not attend to the psalms yesterday?

“The LORD is a warrior,
LORD is his name!
Pharaoh’s chariots and army he hurled into the sea;
the elite of his officers were submerged in the Red Sea.
R. Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.