Peace…please

After several days of heightened violence in Lebanon and Palestine, Pope Benedict issued a new plea for peace.

Following the Angelus prayer Benedict XVI made an appeal for peace in Lebanon and an end to violence on the Gaza Strip.

“In the last few days,” the Pope said, “violence has caused blood to be shed in Lebanon. It is unacceptable to go down that path to back one’s own political goals. I feel a profound sorrow for that dear people. I know the Lebanese may be tempted to give up hope feeling disoriented by what is happening.

Anybody who can resist that, must be considered heroic.

“Furthermore, I hope that violence in the Gaza Strip ends soon. To its entire population I wish to express my spiritual closeness and assure them of my prayers so that the will to work together for the common good may prevail upon everyone, that they may choose peaceful ways to settle differences and reduce tensions”.

Benedict will not give up hope in these repeated pleas.

At the end of his appeals and multilingual greetings, the Pope spoke to the 5,000 youth from Rome’s Azione Cattolica (Catholic Action) who, along with Card Camillo Ruini, ended their “Peace Caravan” in St Peter’s Square. Traditionally, they dedicate the month of January to the theme of peace. With two youths each on his side the Pope released to white doves, symbol of peace.

“You are the true messengers of peace,” the Pontiff said. “With the wings of goodness and faith, you bring everywhere the joy that comes from being the children of the same Father who is in Heaven and of living together like brothers.”

He added then: “We want to be like the doves of peace for all, for Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, everywhere.”

Benedict’s whole address is at that AsiaNews site, and it’s filled with wisdom drawn from St. Thomas Aquinas, who’s memorial falls on this day — wisdom as applicable today as ever.

It’s also a reminder of what’s in the message a couple of posts down from here, about fathers. Benedict, Holy Father to the world’s Roman Catholics, is trying to protect all the children. And he sees today’s children as, perhaps, the best hope for finally reaching a peace that will protect, and last.