During the Mass for the Consecration of the Church at the site of Jesus’ Baptism in Jordan, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin reassures Middle East Christians that the universal Church is close to them.
“My presence here today, according to the wishes of the Pope, is meant to be a tangible sign of the closeness of the whole Church to the Christian commu-nities of the Middle East,” he said. Espe-cially in the words of the Holy Father, he said this closeness has found numerous expressions throughout so many months of suffering and war.
“I would like to encourage everyone not to be overwhelmed by the grave difficulties of the present time, and to trust that God guides human history, how-ever much it bears the scars of violence, sin and death,” said Cardi-nal Parolin. “At a time in history when this region is experiencing serious upheaval, it is important that Chri-stians also make their contribution to the building of a just and peaceful society.”
Leave a Comment