Pontiff’s Path to Peace: A Beacon of Hope in a World Divided

LUXEMBOURG (AP).— Pope Francis urged Europe to be a beacon of peace in times of war and a welcoming home for immigrants and refugees, arriving yesterday in the heart of the continent to give new strength to the dwindling Catholic flock in the which used to be a bastion of Christianity.

The Pontiff received a warm welcome upon landing in Luxembourg, the second smallest country in the European Union and the one with the highest per capita income.

The visit took place after the 87-year-old Pope canceled his audiences in recent days due to a slight flu.

Francisco looked good, although he did not make his traditional walk down the aisle of the aircraft to greet journalists during the trip from Rome.

The Vatican spokesman said the decision was due to the fact that the flight was short and the ITA airline plane only had one aisle, not because of any health problem.

The Pope was in Luxembourg only a few hours before flying to Belgium, where he will stay for the weekend. Immigration and peace – at a time when there is an ongoing war on European soil – are also expected to be on their agenda there. Francis is also expected to meet with survivors of clerical sexual abuse, given the Belgian Church’s dismal record in that regard.

The visit seems designed for Francis to get to know Luxembourg with his friend and tour guide, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the only cardinal of this once vibrant Catholic bastion. Hollerich, a Jesuit like the Pontiff, has become one of his advisors and took him to a football-themed cafe near his house during siesta yesterday afternoon.

In his opening speech to the authorities and the diplomatic corps, Francis recalled the country’s position as a geographical crossroads in Europe, invaded during the two world wars and very aware of the “quarrels and wars that have been caused by exaggerated expressions of nationalism and “pernicious ideologies”.

At a glance

Advantages

“Luxembourg can show everyone the advantages of peace in the face of the horrors of war,” the Pope said.

Praise

He also praised the country for its tradition of opening its doors to foreigners and said it was a role model for Europe. But he urged him to use his wealth to help poorer countries so that their people are not forced to flee in search of better opportunities in Europe.

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