Pope prays for ‘defenceless victims’ of terrorism at general audience

Pope Francis prayed for “the defenceless victims of terrorism” at his weekly general audience, following a number of attacks across Europe.

An attack in Nice, France and one in Vienna “have provoked dismay and reproach” among residents and in all who “cherish peace and dialogue”, the Pope said.

Pope Francis concluded by calling for an end to the “intensifying cruelty spreading through Europe”.

The Pope’s general audience took place behind closed doors after someone attending a general audience October 21 tested positive for Covid-19.

The Pope began the November 4 audience expressing his disappointment, but underlined that “we must be very attentive to regulations by authorities, both political authorities and health care experts”.

Prayer

The Pope continued his reflections on prayer, explaining the power prayer has the to take all those things in life that seem like a condemnation and turn them into something good.

“The trials of life thus change into opportunities to grow in faith and charity,” the Pope said.

He asked that everyone pray for all those who are ill as well as for doctors, nurses, volunteers and all those who are risking their lives by helping those who are sick, “but they do it out of love”.

Pope Francis reflected on how Jesus always took time out to pray and be in dialogue with God, despite busy days helping the poor and the sick.

Jesus was not guided or inspired by success, consensus or “the seductive phrase, ‘Everyone is searching for you,'” the Pope said.

“Prayer is the rudder that guides Jesus’ course,” he said; it does not lead him to the easiest path, but to the one that stays true to God’s will, which he discovers in prayer.

A day lived without prayer risks turning into a day that is lived as “bothersome or tedious,” a day when whatever happens is poorly endured and comes from “blind fate,” the Pope said.

“Prayer is first of all listening to and encountering God,” he said. It helps people face reality, but in a way that they can see problems not as obstacles, but as opportunities to grow in faith and charity.

Without cultivating self-reflection, he said, “we become superficial, agitated and anxious”.

Jesus showed that prayer is ultimately letting go and putting oneself in God’s hands.

Catholic News Service