Pope Francis

S Y R I A

Pope: Saturday 7th a day of
fasting and prayer for Syria

Full text
of Pope's call for peace
-----------

Diplomatic intervention:
Yes
Military intervention:
No

On this anniversary of the official start of World War Two in 1939, can we learn anything from history to help better prevent and solve situations like Syria in 2013?

This article suggests that Hitler and team misjudged the resolve of Britain and France ....which shows that "bullies" do take account of the resoluteness of other powers ....which means other powers should stand up to bullies....earlier rather than later. "Standing up" would ideally mean the toughest and most skilful of diplomatic methods ....hopefully avoiding military action

But stepping back a bit further, we should remember that one of the main reasons for the rise of Hitler was the great injustice to which Germany was subjected at the end of World War One. If Germany had been treated in the wise and human way Japan and Germany were treated after World War Two, it is doubtful there would have been a World War II!

This is why for decades, if not centuries, the Church has linked justice and peace. Unjust situations are the breeding grounds for conflict, terrorism etc.

On this September 3 anniversary, may Pope Francis' leadership help the world care more about solving situations of injustice in the world ....peacefully....early ....before they get out of hand

------------------

Let's storm Heaven these days:
Jesus, may there be a peaceful solution to the (out-of-hand) Syria crisis!

----------------

Why did President Obama change his mind ....and decide to consult Congress?
One comment I saw said Obama's language and body language suggest his heart was not in an attack on Syria...he was just going through the motions, responding to lobbying ....and the vote by British MPs gave him a way out....with the hope that US legislators will follow their British counterparts and say "No" to an attack

S Y R I A

Pope: Saturday 7th a day of
fasting and prayer for Syria

Full text
of Pope's call for peace
-----------

Diplomatic intervention:
Yes
Military intervention:
No

Pope Francis has called on the international community to address the situation in Syria through "dialogue and negotiation", warning: "It is never the use of violence that leads to peace."

Giving the Sunday blessing or angelus to crowds at St Peter's square, the Argentinian pontiff declared that Saturday would be a "day of fasting and prayer for peace", announcing a special service in the Vatican City square from 7pm until midnight.

Echoing the horror of the international community, Francis said he had been "deeply wounded" by the recent violence in Syria, condemning "with particular firmness" the use of chemical weapons.

"I say to you that I still have the terrible images of recent days stuck in my mind and in my heart," he said, appearing emotional. "On our actions there is the judgment of God and also of the judgment of history which cannot be escaped."

However, in words clearly aimed at the White House, he added: "It is never the use of violence that leads to peace."

The pope said: "I urge the international community to make every effort to promote, without further delay, clear initiatives for peace in this country based on dialogue and negotiation for the good of all Syrian people."

He added: "I repeat loudly: It is not the culture of dispute, the culture of conflict, which builds coexistence between peoples, but this, the culture… of dialogue which is the only route to peace." (Guardian)

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John W: mini-Blog:	Thank God for Pope Francis! Thank God for Francis' strong lead in doing something for Syria. His intervention (...!...), like that of the British MPs who voted against a military intervention, will go down in history as a turning point in the human story. May every diocese, parish, school, community, family ...take up the Pope's call for Saturday Sep 7 to be a day of prayer and fasting for peace

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John W mini-Blog	British MPs have said "No!" to the madness of a military strike against Syria. God bless the "No's"! Will US legislators also oppose the military madness? Please God! History might show that the stand taken by the British MPs is a turning point in the story of the world: a time when a group of leaders finally said enough is enough of war Have the bishops of US, UK, Australia etc made any statement about opposing military intervention in Syria? Please send link to jdwomi@gmail.com


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