Pope Francis began 2022 with a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for St. Mary Mother of God, where he called for an end to violence against women.
POPE FRANCIS
How much violence is directed against women! Enough! To hurt a woman is to insult God, who took His humanity from a woman.
In his address to the ambassadors at the beginning of the year, Pope Francis spoke about the current conflicts. War had not yet broken out in Ukraine, although there were already tensions. He also mentioned Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine.
POPE FRANCIS
Those who possess weapons will eventually use them, because, as St. Paul VI said, “A person cannot love with offensive weapons in his hands.”
In January, the Pope baptized 16 babies who are the children of Vatican employees. He called on parents and godparents to guard the faith of the children.
On January 26th, the Pope celebrated a day of peace in Ukraine in an attempt to avoid war.
POPE FRANCISO
I invite you to pray for peace in Ukraine, and to do so often throughout the day: let us ask the Lord insistently that that land may see fraternity flourish and overcome wounds, fears and divisions.
At the end of the month, Pope Benedict XVI was accused of not reacting strongly enough to four cases of sexual abuse while he was archbishop of Munich-Friesland. The Pope emeritus announced that he would study the accusations carefully and prepare a response.
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