The Pope’s last words
“Revive our trust in others”
Good morning - Here is your Saturday newsletter.
While there is plenty to be said about the election on Monday (don’t forget to vote), I thought we might take a moment to reflect upon the last words of Pope Francis, who will be laid to rest today in Rome.
Steve
Pope Francis is well-known for his humble approach to the Papacy and commitment to peace and ecology. His final appearance on Easter Sunday at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square reflected his deep concern about the state of humanity and those suffering from war and conflict.
This is an excerpt of his final speech (did he know this might be his last message?). The full text was released by the Vatican and published by the BBC.
“What a great thirst for death, for killing, we witness each day in the many conflicts raging in different parts of our world! How much violence we see, often even within families, directed at women and children! How much contempt is stirred up at times towards the vulnerable, the marginalised, and migrants!
“On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God!
“I would like us to renew our hope that peace is possible!
Palestine and Israel
“I express my closeness to the sufferings of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and to all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people. The growing climate of anti-Semitism throughout the world is worrisome. Yet at the same time, I think of the people of Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation.
“I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace!
Ukraine
“May the risen Christ grant Ukraine, devastated by war, his Easter gift of peace, and encourage all parties involved to pursue efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.
Africa
“May the risen Christ, our hope, grant peace and consolation to the African peoples who are victims of violence and conflict, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Sudan and South Sudan. May he sustain those suffering from the tensions in the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, as well as those Christians who in many places are not able freely to profess their faith.
“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others.
Disarmament
“Nor is peace possible without true disarmament! The requirement that every people provide for its own defence must not turn into a race to rearmament.
“I appeal to all those in positions of political responsibility in our world not to yield to the logic of fear which only leads to isolation from others, but rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development. These are the 'weapons' of peace: weapons that build the future, instead of sowing seeds of death!
“May the principle of humanity never fail to be the hallmark of our daily actions. In the face of the cruelty of conflicts that involve defenceless civilians and attack schools, hospitals and humanitarian workers, we cannot allow ourselves to forget that it is not targets that are struck, but persons, each possessed of a soul and human dignity.”
- Pope Francis, Easter 2025
Leave a comment to explain your answer.
Readers feel they don’t have a good understanding of military spending
In the last newsletter, I asked readers to answer the following: “Do you have a good understanding of Canada’s military spending?” Four out of five readers answered either “Somewhat” (40%) or “Not really” (42%). One out of five answered “Yes.”
Peace education resources
The PeaceQuest archives (2012-2019) have a new home. They are now available on the website of the Providence Centre for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (PCJPIC).
Much of the material is still very current, in particular the War and Children curriculum developed by Judi Wyatt. And the site includes lots of useful documentation to support research and the development of new peacemaking initiatives.
https://pc-jpic.ca/peacequest-archive/
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Steve
Faith leaders such as Pope Francis can promote peace. Popes seldom do, but people like Francis can find a way to promote peace wherever they are.
I have been reading the book Pope Francis " Hope" The autobiography 2025. In this book Pope Francis shares his remarkable life story and the lessons drawn from his experiences to address the needs of our moment. Pope Francis has Italian roots and then his ancestors immigrated to Latin America. Hope tells the story of his life from his childhood i Buenos Aires, Argentina, the enthusiasm and turmoil of his youth, his calling: and his adult calling, through the whole of his papacy to the present day. A hope for future generations for the Church's Jubilee Year. A story of a life and spiritual testament for all readers throughout the world. Thank you Pope Francis for your special gift of Hope.