At the end of Sunday's Angelus, Pope Francis did not hesitate to criticize the recent attacks in Jerusalem.
POPE FRANCIS
Last Wednesday, two cowardly attacks in Jerusalem injured so many people and killed an Israeli boy; and on the same day, during armed fighting in Nablus, a Palestinian boy died. Violence kills the future, shattering the lives of the youth and weakening hopes for peace.
He also expressed his sorrow for the death of a homeless man who used to sleep in the colonnade of St. Peter's Basilica and for the victims and damage caused on the island of Ischia in Italy due to bad weather.
Additonally, the Church begins Advent. It is the liturgical period dedicated to preparing for Christmas and Pope Francis did not miss the opportunity to offer advice for the Advent season.
POPE FRANCIS
Brothers and sisters, in this Advent season, let us be roused from slumber and awakened from sleep! Let us try to ask ourselves: am I aware of what I am experiencing? Am I attentive? Am I awake? Am I trying to recognize God's presence in everyday situations or am I distracted and a bit overwhelmed by things?
This year, Advent begins with many delicate issues on the table in the Vatican: from the ongoing trial of Vatican officials and collaborators for the alleged misuse of Holy See funds to disagreements between Rome and China over the appointment of bishops.
JRB
TR: KG
