Pope Urges Luxembourg to Set Global Example in Fostering Peaceful Cooperation

(Vatican News Network)After arriving in Luxembourg on the morning of September 26, Pope Francis met the authorities, representatives of civil society, the diplomatic corps, and dignitaries from the cultural and business circles in the Cercle Cité, a total of around 300 people. In his speech this time, the Pope played on the thoughts expressed in the guestbook when he visited Archduke Henry: human dignity, public interest, and international cooperation.

Investing in arms is very sad

The Pope expressed his gratitude for the “family-like” hospitality and then mentioned in particular the geographical location of the Grand Duchy. It stands at the crossroads of Europe’s most important historical events, and has experienced years of invasion and deprivation of freedom. It is also one of the founders of the European Union and home to a number of European institutions. The Pope drew attention to the fact that Luxembourg had learned “historical lessons” from the tragic experience of the two world wars in the last century, namely: not war, but peace.

“Peace should always be the premise, and we must not forget that war always wins Peace is necessary, and Luxembourg has a history of building peace And today, the investments that bring the greatest returns are those arms factories, which are one of the biggest in Europe The country is very sad. “

The logic of conflict forces buffer states to be reluctantly drawn into the conflict

As is often the case with border regions, Luxembourg’s location can be a disadvantage or an opportunity. Turning to the interrelationship of powerful states in conflict, the Pope explained that if the logic of conflict prevails, the buffer states will be “unsatisfied and seriously involved” on the contrary, if “the way of wisdom” prevails, these countries become suitable places to identify “the needs and the path to be taken in a new age of peace.” “Luxembourg is a country with an open door and a wonderful testimony of non-discrimination and non-exclusion,” said the pope.

Wealth is a responsibility

The Pope then reiterated two aspects of his teaching: care for creation and love for brotherhood. One of the characteristics of Luxembourg is that it is a traditional destination for immigrants, with almost half of the population coming from abroad. Having said this, the Pope once again emphasized the characteristics of healthy development:

“In order to achieve real and holistic development, our common home should not be looted and damaged, nor should people or social groups be marginalized.

War makes the country sick and makes reason mad

The pope said that “rifts” and “contradictions” are re-emerging in Europe. Good will and diplomacy seemed fruitless, and the logic of destruction and death prevailed. People embark on the “tragic path of war” and forget the damage caused by war in history. “We are a forgetful people,” said the Pope. In this regard, he praised Luxembourg for being able to “build friendships and avoid these paths”. “This is your call.”

“This dangerous sclerosis is making the country terminally ill, exacerbating conflicts and putting it at risk of losing countless lives and repeating senseless massacres. To cure this disease, we need to look up and we need to the daily lives of people and their rulers be exposed. and the inspiration of profound spiritual values that will prevent rational insanity and irresponsibility from repeating the same mistakes of the past, which will be exacerbated by the more powerful technology humans now have.”

The gospel removes hatred and reconciles people

The Pope said that it is the Gospel that reconciles people. The leaders of different countries should act in the spirit of the gospel of “service.” The Pope spoke of the motto of his trip, “Serving others”, explaining that this is the “most noble” gesture and that everyone should behave in this way every day. The Pope makes a desperate appeal to everyone: “Those who do not have faith must serve their brothers and sisters, serve their country, and do their best for society. This is the way for everyone, trying’ always the common good.”

“Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can transform the human heart so deeply that it can do good, eliminate hatred and reconcile conflicting parties, even under the most difficult circumstances.”

Promoting peace and integrating immigrants into society

Finally, the Pope thanked Luxembourg for welcoming immigrants and integrating them into society. The Pope took the opportunity to talk about Luxembourg’s birth rate, offering this initiative to the people of the country: “More children, more children! They are the future!”

“Luxembourg can show everyone the benefits of peace instead of the horrors of war; the benefits of integrating and uplifting refugees instead of isolating them; the consequences of pursuing their respective interests in a violent way.”

Link URL:www.vaticannews.cn

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