August 18, 2013. (Romereports.com) During Sunday's Angelus at St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis renewed his calls for peace in Egypt, where violent clashes between the army and supporters of deposed president Mohammed Morsi continue to drive up the death toll among its citizens.
POPE FRANCIS
“We continue to pray for peace in Egypt together, Mary Queen of Peace pray for us.”
During his Angelus remarks, Pope Francis spoke on the Gospel reading for the day, which, coincidentally, dealt with peace, and how violence is incompatible with faith.
He said the Gospel's message explained that Jesus set the criteria for which to live by peacefully: live for God or live for oneself, to serve or be served. But he added that living in peace, does not mean being neutral.
POPE FRANCIS
“Jesus does not portray neutrality. This peace is not a compromise at all costs. To follow Jesus, means to renounce all evil and egoism, to do good, and choose truth and justice.”
However, the Pope went on to condemn all forms of violence, saying that the words of the Gospel do not authorize the use of the force to spread the faith.
POPE FRANCIS
“Just the opposite: the true strength of Christians is the power of truth and love, which means renouncing all forms of violence. Faith and violence are incompatible! Faith and violence are incompatible! Instead, faith and fortitude go hand in hand. A Christian is not violent.”
During his remarks, Pope Francis also added that faith is not meant to be a decorative or ornamental item, but that is should be at the center of each person's life.
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