At his Sunday Angelus, the pope voiced alarm over violence and fear spreading from Iran across the region.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday appealed for peace as violence and fear continue to spread in Iran and across the Middle East, praying in particular for Lebanon and warning that the conflict could widen.<\/p>\n
Speaking after the Angelus on March 8, the pope said \u201cdeeply disturbing news continues to arrive from Iran and the entire Middle East.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn addition to the episodes of violence and devastation as well as the widespread climate of hatred and fear, there is also the concern that the conflict will spread and that other countries in the region, including beloved Lebanon, may again sink back into instability,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe lift up our humble prayer to the Lord, so that the thunderous sound of bombs may cease, weapons may fall silent, and a space for dialogue may open up in which the voice of the people can be heard,\u201d the pope said. He added that he was entrusting that intention to the Virgin Mary, \u201cthat she may intercede for those who suffer because of war and lead hearts along the paths of reconciliation and hope.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before the Marian prayer in St. Peter\u2019s Square, Leo reflected on the day\u2019s Gospel and said that \u201csince the first centuries of the Church\u2019s history, the dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, the healing of the man born blind and the resurrection of Lazarus illuminate the path of those who, at Easter, will receive Baptism and begin a new life.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThese great Gospel passages, which we read beginning this Sunday, are intended for the catechumens to help them on their journey to become Christians,\u201d he said. \u201cAt the same time, these passages are heard once again by the entire community of believers to help them to be more authentic and joyful Christians.\u201d<\/p>\n
Referring to Jesus\u2019 encounter with the Samaritan woman, the pope said: \u201cIndeed, Jesus is the response to our thirst. As he suggested to the Samaritan woman, the encounter with him stirs in the depths of each person \u2018a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow many people in the entire world are searching even today for this spiritual spring!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Quoting the diary of Etty Hillesum, a Dutch Jewish writer who died in Auschwitz during World War II, Leo said: \u201c\u2018Sometimes I am there too. But more often stones and grit block the well, and God is buried beneath. Then he must be dug out again.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDear friends, there is no energy better spent than that dedicated to freeing our heart,\u201d the pope said. \u201cFor this reason, Lent is a gift: we are starting the third week and now we are able to intensify the journey!\u201d<\/p>\n
He went on to reflect on the disciples\u2019 reaction in the Gospel: \u201cHis disciples came [and] they were astonished that he was speaking with a woman.\u201d The Master, he said, had to prompt them: \u201c\u2018Do you not say, \u201cFour months more, then comes the harvest\u201d? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Lord still says to his Church: \u2018Lift up your eyes and recognize God\u2019s surprises!\u2019\u201d Leo said. \u201cIn the fields, four months prior to the harvest, one sees practically nothing. But there, where we see nothing, grace is already at work and its fruits are ready to be gathered.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe harvest is great: perhaps the workers are few because they are distracted by other activities,\u201d he continued. \u201cJesus, on the other hand, is attentive. According to custom, he ought to have simply ignored that Samaritan woman; instead, Jesus speaks with her, listens to her, and shows her respect \u2014 without a hidden agenda and without disdain.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow many people seek in the Church this same sensitivity, this availability!\u201d the pope said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd how beautiful it is when we lose track of time in order to give attention to the person we are encountering, as we see in this passage,\u201d he added. \u201cJesus was so spiritually nourished by God\u2019s desire to reach people on the deepest levels that he even forgot to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leo said that \u201cthe Samaritan woman becomes the first of many female evangelizers.\u201d Because of her testimony, \u201cmany from her village of despised and rejected people came to meet Jesus, and also in them faith bubbled forth like pure water.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope also marked International Women\u2019s Day, observed March 8, saying: \u201cWe renew our commitment, which for us Christians is based on the Gospel, to recognize the equal dignity of man and woman.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately many women, from childhood onwards, are still discriminated against and suffer various forms of violence,\u201d he said. \u201cIn a special way, I offer to them my solidarity and my prayers.\u201d<\/p>\n
This article\u00a0was originally published\u00a0by ACI Stampa, CNA\u2019s Italian-language news partner, and has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n