Pope Francis met with the ROACO, a committee of organizations dedicated to helping Christians in the East.
They come from different countries to support Christian communities in especially difficult situations. They help rebuild churches and other important buildings, and they offer financial assistance to hospitals and students.
During their meeting, the Pope said the global community is not doing enough to bring an end to the war in Syria.
POPE FRANCIS
“These ten years of conflict continue to be a disgrace, millions of internally displaced persons and refugees, of victims. There is a need for reconstruction, which is stalled by partisan thinking and the lack of courageous decisions for the good of this war-torn nation.”
Pope Francis thanked them for helping Christians in countries like Eritrea, Lebanon, Armenia and Georgia.
He also addressed the serious crises in Lebanon and the Holy Land.
POPE FRANCIS
“Far too often, even lately, those skies have been darkened by missiles bringing destruction, death and fear. I thank you for your efforts to support Lebanon in this grave crisis, and I ask you to pray, and invite others to pray, for our meeting on July 1 with the leaders of the Christian Churches in the country.”
The Pope did not hide his disappointment when he announced that the collection for the Holy Land was only half of the amount raised last year. He asked Catholics not to be indifferent to the challenges of Jerusalem's fragile Christian community.
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