The Pope End this epidemic of hatred
The Pope yesterday called for an end to the rising tide of racism and hatred across the world.
Pope Francis warned an “epidemic of animosity” against people of other races or religions was hurting the weakest in society.
His words were widely seen as a rebuke to the rise of populist nationalism, notably in the election of Donald Trump in the US.
Speaking in Rome as he appointed 17 new cardinals, he said : “We see, for example, how quickly those among us with the status of a stranger, an immigrant or a refugee, become a threat, take on the status of an enemy.
“How many wounds grow deeper due to this epidemic of animosity and violence, which leaves its mark on the flesh of many of the defenceless?”
The US Justice Department said on Friday that they were investigating reports of intimidation and harassment since the election.
The Pope told his audience that the Church itself was not immune to “a virus of polarisation and animosity”.
It was an apparent reference to a public challenge to him by four conservative cardinals, who accused him of sowing confusion on important moral issues.
Thirteen of his 17 new cardinals, who come from across the world, are under 80 and so eligible to succeed him one day.