Vatican City: Pope Francis has opened up about the persecution of Christians in Europe, the lifeline of the Christian faith in addition to the Middle East. The pope was addressing those who came to hear him yesterday, following a series of regular public addresses on Wednesdays. According to the pope, many Christians are being persecuted for their faith and sacrificing their lives for their faith in and around the world.
St. Paul quoted the life of St. Paul as saying that bearing witness to martyrdom is a blessing from the Lord, and that suffering, oppression, and martyrdom are signs of following in the footsteps of the Lord. The Pope pointed out that the testimony of St. Paul was imprinted on him.
When he came to Jerusalem, even for Jesus’ sake, he heard the accusations of the people that he was a religious persecutor and unreliable. He was expelled from the church and later arrested for speaking out against church ordinances. St. Paul was not just a zealous evangelist, he also witnessed the risen Christ.
The pope concluded his address by reminding us not to allow suffering, affliction, or persecution to separate us from the love of Christ, to maintain our faith in all afflictions, and to stand firm for Christ. Around 8,000 people came to Paul VI Hall to hear the pope’s message.
