By Charles Igwe
Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Pope Francis made a solemn appeal to the global community to never forget or deny the atrocities of the Holocaust. Speaking after the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on January 26, the pontiff emphasized the enduring responsibility to remember the extermination of millions of Jewish people and others during World War II.
“The horror of the extermination of millions of Jewish people and others of different faiths during those years must never be forgotten or denied,” he declared. The Pope also acknowledged the Christians who perished in the Nazi death camps, many of whom are considered martyrs. He called for collective efforts to eradicate anti-Semitism, discrimination, and religious persecution.
“Together, let us build a more fraternal, just world, educating young people to have hearts open to all, in the spirit of fraternity, forgiveness, and peace,” Pope Francis urged, linking the commemoration to a broader vision of unity and justice.
The Holy Father also addressed ongoing global conflicts, including the dire situation in Sudan and South Sudan. Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in what Francis described as “the most severe humanitarian crisis in the world,” with devastating impacts on neighboring South Sudan. The pontiff called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged warring parties to engage in peace negotiations. He appealed to the international community to support these efforts and to provide humanitarian aid.
Turning his attention to Colombia’s Catatumbo region, where armed conflicts have displaced over 30,000 people, Pope Francis expressed his solidarity and prayers for the victims. He stressed the urgent need for peaceful resolutions and the cessation of violence in the affected areas.
In a reflection on the Gospel of Luke, the Pope explored the challenges of recognizing Jesus’ identity and mission. Using the story of Jesus’ visit to the synagogue in Nazareth, Francis noted how familiarity with Jesus can sometimes obscure His true significance. “We have grown up with him, in school, in the parish, in catechism, in a country with Catholic culture… And so for us too, he is a Person who is close—‘too’ close,” he observed.
The Pope urged the faithful to consider whether they truly recognize the unique authority and salvation that Jesus offers. “Do we sense the unique authority with which Jesus of Nazareth speaks? Do we recognize that He is the bearer of a proclamation of salvation that no one else can give us?”
Pope Francis concluded his address by reflecting on the ongoing Jubilee Year, urging believers to embrace their need for salvation as a foundation for experiencing grace. He also marked World Leprosy Day with an appeal for the social inclusion of those affected by Hansen’s Disease, underscoring the Church’s mission to support the marginalized.
Encouraging Catholics to turn to Mary, “Mother of God and our Mother,” the pope concluded with his customary blessing, reminding the faithful to embody hope, fraternity, and peace in their daily lives.
