Terrorism: Pope prays for Nigeria, S’Sudan, others

Pope Francis in his first Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, on Wednesday, prayed for Nigeria and other countries contending with terrorists’ attacks. In his Christmas message, the Pope specifically asked God to defend Nigeria’s innocent and defenceless people. Other countries the Pope prayed for are South Sudan, Syria, Israel, Palestine, Iraq, Philippines, and Democratic Republic of Congo. He said the countries had been torn apart by a spiral of violence and poverty, where so many people had become homeless, lacking water, food and the necessities of life. He said, “Prince of Peace, in every place turn hearts aside from violence and inspire them to lay down arms and undertake the path of dialogue. Look upon Nigeria, rent by constant attacks which do not spare the innocent and defenceless. “Child of Bethlehem, touch the hearts of all those engaged in human trafficking, that they may realise the gravity of this crime against humanity. Look upon the many children who are kidnapped, wounded and killed in armed conflicts, and all those who are robbed of their childhood and forced to become soldiers. “Lord of heaven and earth, look upon our planet, frequently exploited by human greed and rapacity. Help and protect all the victims of natural disasters, especially the beloved people of the Philippines, gravely affected by the recent typhoon.” The Pope also urged God to prevent tragedies from occurring in 2014, adding that peace comes from daily commitment. He said, “True peace is not a balance of opposing forces. It is not a lovely ‘façade’ which conceals conflicts and divisions. Peace calls for daily commitment, starting from God’s gift, from the grace which he has given us in Jesus Christ. “Lord of life, protect all who are persecuted for your name. May tragedies like those we have witnessed this year, with so many deaths at Lampedusa, never occur again!” He advised faithful Christians to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, saying, “Dear brothers and sisters, let us allow our hearts to be touched, let us allow ourselves to be warmed by the tenderness of God; we need his caress. “God is full of love; to him be praise and glory forever! God is peace; let us ask Him to help us to be peacemakers each day, in our life, in our families, in our cities and nations, in the whole world. Let us allow ourselves to be moved by God’s goodness.”