Pope Francis on Sunday called on the world’s major powers to put aside their differences and strive for unity, stating that a polarized church and world needed to work together to build a more just and peaceful society.
The Argentine pope, who was introduced as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church last week, spoke from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica overlooking St. Peter’s Square, where an estimated 100,000 people gathered to hear his first Sunday blessing.
Key Points from the Address
- Call for Collaboration: "We must work together," he emphasized. "We must not be afraid of each other."
- Inclusive Church: Francis has expressed his desire for a more inclusive church with a greater emphasis on social justice and dialogue between Catholics and other faiths.
- Peaceful Resolutions: He urged major powers to avoid violence or aggression in resolving conflicts, advocating for peaceful solutions through dialogue.
- Guidance by Reason: "Let us pray that all nations may be guided by reason," he stated during his blessing.
Tradition of Blessings
Francis is expected to continue the tradition of giving regular blessings from the balcony after Masses at St. Peter’s Basilica every Sunday morning, during which thousands gather below in St. Peter’s Square.
The crowd was filled with people from all walks of life who came out early on a chilly spring morning, hoping to catch a glimpse of their new leader speaking publicly for the first time since being elected as the successor to Pope John Paul II.
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