Dec 18, 2015 / 03:43 am
Delivering his Christmas message on Wednesday, Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem urged local and international actors to work for peace in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East.
"In a few days we will celebrate … Christmas, the feast of the Light, that shines in the night, a celebration of joy, hope and peace," Patriarch Twal said Dec. 16. "However, and I repeat the same words of Pope Francis, everything is distorted 'because the world continues to make war'."
"What a suffering it is, to once again see our beloved Holy Land caught in the vicious cycle of bloody violence! What a pain to see anew, hatred prevail over reason and dialogue! The anguish of the people of this land is ours, which we cannot ignore or disregard."
He began by addressing the leaders of Israel and Palestine, telling them, "it is time to show courage, and work for the establishment of a just peace. Enough of stalling, reluctance and false pretenses! Respect international resolutions! Listen to the voice of your people who aspire for peace, act in their best interests! Each of the two peoples of the Holy Land, Israelis and Palestinians, have the right to dignity, to an independent state and sustainable security."