VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis, laying out his hopes Wednesday for the just-begun year, urged people to work for a world where everyone accepts each other's differences and where enemies recognize that they are brothers. We are all children of one heavenly father. We belong to the same human family and we share a common destiny," Francis said, speaking from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square, jammed with tens of thousands of faithful, tourists and Romans. "This brings a responsibility for each to work so that the world becomes a community of brothers who respect each other, accept each other in one's diversity, and take care of one another," the pope said.
In his remarks to the often-applauding crowd, he also expressed hope that "the gospel of brotherhood speak to every conscience and knock down the walls that impede enemies from recognizing that they are brothers." Earlier, during his homily at New Year's Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, Francis spoke of humanity's journey in the year unfolding and invoked what he said were "words of blessing," explaining that they are "strength, courage and hope." "Not an illusory hope," he added, "based on frail human promises, or a naive hope which presumes that the future will be better simply because it is the future."...
Among the many national flags waved by the peace marchers was that of Syria, with several Syrians among the participants expressing hope that peace reaches their country.
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Posted By: Jen Fad
Wednesday, January 1st 2014 at 6:50PM
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