Cardinal Filoni emphasized the Church's commitment to staying with the people in the war-torn Middle East. The Church is actively involved in providing aid and support to those affected by conflict in the region. Cardinal Filoni highlighted the importance of maintaining a presence and offering assistance to vulnerable populations. The Church's efforts include humanitarian aid, spiritual support, and advocacy for peace.
5 months ago
Cardinal Fernando Filoni, a veteran Vatican diplomat, recently articulated the Catholic Church's unwavering commitment to remaining with Christian communities in war-torn regions, particularly the Middle East 2. He underscored that the Middle East is not merely a historical origin point for Christianity but remains a region of vital importance with active Christian populations 2.
Filoni emphasized the biblical mandate for spiritual leaders to face adversity with dignity, drawing parallels to Christ's example as a good shepherd who does not abandon his flock 2. He recounted his own experience as apostolic nuncio in Baghdad during the first Gulf War, where he and local bishops chose to stay with the people despite the dangers 2.
As the Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, Cardinal Filoni now oversees efforts to support the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and assist Christians throughout the Holy Land 2. This support includes providing financial aid, funding schools and parishes, and humanitarian initiatives aimed at enabling Christians to remain in their ancestral lands 2. He described this work as the "Church’s communion in action," supporting the patriarchate's efforts from behind the scenes 2.
Cardinal Filoni stressed the Church's fundamental role as a peacemaker, asserting that peace is a primary objective, not a secondary one 2. He urged a focus on a normal, serene life for all people, rather than being perpetually defined by past injustices 2.
He highlighted historical and contemporary examples of Vatican diplomacy, such as its informal role in facilitating prisoner exchanges during the Iran-Iraq war and current efforts in Ukraine to trace missing children, advocate for prisoners, and deliver aid 2. These actions, he noted, serve to create platforms for dialogue, addressing the concrete suffering caused by conflict 2. However, Filoni cautioned that such efforts are ultimately dependent on the will of warring parties to accept dialogue and seek peace 2.
Reflecting on the dire situation in Gaza, Cardinal Filoni lamented the widespread violence, revenge, and killings, condemning the captivity of hostages and attacks on civilians seeking aid as unacceptable 2. He reiterated the call for the immediate release of all hostages and an end to indiscriminate bombings, noting the tireless work of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, supported by the Holy See and the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, to provide aid and maintain presence 2.
Filoni shared a powerful image of resilience from Mosul, Iraq, where a priest showed him a wall with an intact image of the Pope amidst rubble after a bombing, stating, "Here, the cross did not fall" 2. This, Filoni concluded, symbolizes that "the cross is stronger than violence, because it is the instrument through which God made peace between heaven and and earth" 2.
The Church's mission: presence and solidarity in conflict?
The Catholic Church's mission in times of conflict is characterized by its active presence and solidarity, aiming to promote peace, reconciliation, and integral human development . This mission is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and is a responsibility shared by all Christians .
The Church tirelessly works for reconciliation and peace, even when it has suffered immensely from conflicts . It proclaims love and forgiveness where there is hatred, and reconciliation and peace where there is war . The Holy See's diplomatic activity is inspired by the task of fostering understanding and advancing development and peace among peoples and nations . The Church also actively works for the prevention and resolution of conflicts, identifying and analyzing their possible causes in consultation with the Secretariat of State and Episcopal Conferences .
A core aspect of the Church's mission is to defend and promote the dignity and fundamental rights of human persons, including their social, economic, and political rights . This includes supporting initiatives against human trafficking, forced prostitution, the exploitation of minors and vulnerable individuals, and various forms of slavery and torture . The Church also advocates for the international community to be attentive to the treatment of prisoners and their living conditions, and is committed to the abolition of the death penalty .
In situations of warfare, the Church emphasizes the need to defend and implement international humanitarian law, which aims to safeguard essential principles of humanity . It strives to protect those who do not participate in the conflict, such as civilians, healthcare workers, and religious personnel, as well as those who no longer take an active part, like the wounded and prisoners . The Church also seeks to ban weapons that inflict brutal and pointless suffering . Civilian victims are not considered "collateral damage" but individuals who lose their lives .
The Church provides effective and appropriate material and spiritual assistance, often through pastoral structures, to migrants, refugees, displaced persons, and others in human movement who are in need of specific pastoral care . Despite limited resources, the Church reaches out to those forced out of their homes, reminding them of their inherent worth in God's eyes . This assistance, often provided by organizations like Caritas, is recognized by governments and international experts for its significant impact on integral human development .
The Church recognizes the spiritual wounds of soldiers who have witnessed atrocities and provides special pastoral attention and solicitude to them and their families . Military chaplains play a crucial role in accompanying and supporting them, offering the balm of God's Word, the grace of the Eucharist, and Reconciliation to nourish and regenerate their souls . The Church also works to prepare a future of peace and fraternal solidarity for children and young people who are often the worst hit by conflicts, as they can be drawn into cycles of violence .
The Church calls upon all who seek peace, especially nations and international organizations, to work together to promote an extensive program of education aimed at overcoming egoism and hostility, thereby bringing about a true culture of peace and solidarity . This commitment is expressed through its essential mission to manifest God's closeness to every human being . The new Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, established by Pope Francis, further aids the Church in promoting justice, peace, and the care of creation, with a particular concern for the marginalized and victims of conflict .