Christians in the Holy Land will have a deadly Easter as the violence in Gaza continues. It probably won't occur for the Christian Resurrection either, just as they didn't do it for Muslim Ramadan. Pope Francis has consequently decided to write to the Christians of that suffering territory. A brief but meaningful letter. The pope expresses his sympathy "in particular to those who, in these circumstances, are suffering most painfully from the absurd drama of war, to children who are denied a future, to those who are in tears and pain, to those who feel anguish and bewilderment". Bergoglio thanks them because "you know how to hope against all hope," and invoking one of the most famous parables, that of the Good Samaritan, he hopes them "that the Lord Jesus may pour on the wounds of your body and soul the oil of consolation and the wine of hope". In his address to Christians in the Holy Land, Bergoglio invokes the Beatitudes ("peacemakers") and beseeches the emancipation of the human heart "from hatred, violence, and vengeance": "Grant that no one may deprive us of the hope of reviving together, and that we may never tire of affirming the dignity of every man, without prejudice to nationality, religion, or ethnicity, beginning with the most vulnerable". At the end of the letter, there is also a mention to the religious who operate in the Holy Land and to solidarity with other Christian confessions, especially in this difficult time: "You are not alone, and we will not leave you alone," the Holy Father says, "we will remain in solidarity with you through prayer and practical charity. I pray for you all".
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