The Eastern Churches: Victims of War

The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches recently reflected on the profound impact of Pope Francis’ speech to members of ROACO, highlighting the dire situation faced by the Eastern Churches as victims of war.

By Antonella Palermo & Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis recently addressed members of ROACO, emphasizing the urgent need for peace and solidarity with Eastern Christians facing conflicts. His powerful words resonated deeply with the audience, identifying the key challenges faced by humanity today, particularly in the Eastern Churches.

In a conversation with Vatican Radio, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, commended the Pope’s discourse as impactful. He noted how the Pope’s recognition of the struggles faced by the Eastern Churches due to war resonated strongly with the audience.

Cardinal Gugerotti emphasized the devastating impact of war on the Eastern Churches, highlighting how external powers often fuel conflicts for their own hidden agendas. He condemned the exploitation of war-torn regions for personal gain, calling it a gross betrayal of transparency and honesty.

“This is what is terrible: that those people will come after and offer their money to rebuild a society that has been destroyed because of their plans of war.”

He echoed Pope Francis’ warning against the misuse of faith for political power, urging Christians to stay true to the core message of Christianity. Emphasizing the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, he reminded believers that Christianity was built on humility and persecution, not on dominance.

“When faith becomes a slogan, propaganda, it’s not the faith.”

Empowering a Genuine Faith

Cardinal Gugerotti challenged all Christians to examine their faith sincerely and prioritize the teachings of Christ over institutional power. He urged believers to reflect on the essence of their faith and resist the temptation to align themselves with oppressive forces.

Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti