In remarks delivered at the end of the general audience held this Wednesday before thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff addressed Arabic-speaking Christians, particularly those living in that region of the world, and called upon them to “be instruments of peace, love, and reconciliation.”

In doing so, the Bishop of Rome reiterated what he expressed on March 15, after the Sunday Angelus prayer, when he lamented that “thousands of innocent people have died and many more have been forced to flee their homes” in the Middle East, whose people “have suffered the atrocious violence of war.”

Therefore, “I renew my prayers and closeness to all those who have lost loved ones in the attacks that have affected schools, hospitals, and residential areas,” he added.

“On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and all men and women of goodwill, I address those responsible for this conflict: Ceasefire!” he said, and called for “the reopening of the channels of dialogue! Violence can never lead to the justice, stability, and peace that people yearn for.”

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