Pope Francis reflected on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
He addressed it during Sunday's Angelus, and will conclude next Monday.
The pope explained that it is an important week because unity is one of the intentions for which Jesus prayed.
POPE FRANCIS
This is Jesus' will, but if we review the intentions we pray for, we will probably realize that we have prayed little, perhaps never, for Christian unity. Yet faith in the world depends on it; in fact, the Lord asked for unity among us 'so that the world may believe.'
However, he recalled that it is challenging to overcome divisions and conflicts, which can often be brought on by oneself.
POPE FRANCIS
Conflict is fed by gossip, always talking badly about others. Gossip is the most easily available weapon to the devil to divide the Christian community, divide the family, divide friends, and always divide.
Pope Francis concluded by reminding Christians that unity is a gift and can be achieved by asking for it, as Jesus did.
At the end, he recalled that this week, on Jan 22, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons will come into force.
POPE FRANCIS
I would strongly encourage all countries and individuals to work with determination to promote the necessary conditions for a world without nuclear weapons.
On numerous occasions, Pope Francis has called for an end to these types of weapons. His request was strongly voiced at the United Nations during his trip in 2015. He also said this during his visit to Nagasaki in 2020. He made this visit on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the launch of the nuclear bombs.
Javier Romero
Translation: Christian Campos
