Pope Francis says the world’s at war
KRAKOW, POLAND — Pope Francis, deeply saddened by the slaying of an elderly priest during Mass in a church in the French countryside, warned grimly Wednesday that the world is at war, but cautioned against labeling it a war among religions.
Francis spoke to reporters as he flew from Rome to Krakow. Asked about the slaying of the priest, Francis replied: "It's war, we don't have to be afraid to say this."
He then sought to avoid any misunderstanding of his definition of war. "I only want to clarify that, when I speak of war, I am really speaking of war—a war of interests, for money, resources, dominion of peoples. I am not speaking of a war of religions. Religions don't want war. The others want war.”
At the start of his first ever trip to Eastern Europe, where antimigrant sentiments have been rising, he also encouraged Europe to welcome refugees from war, hunger and religious persecution and called for "courage" and "compassion."
Francis is celebrating World Youth Day in Poland, where the conservative government has shut the doors to migrants and many fear that accepting Muslim refugees would threaten the nation's security and its Catholic identity.
As he started the five-day trip, he told an audience of Poland's president, diplomats and other dignitaries that what is needed is "a spirit of readiness to welcome those fleeing from wars and hunger, and solidarity with those deprived of their fundamental rights, including the right to profess one's faith in freedom and safety."
The murder compounded security fears surrounding Francis' trip, which were already high due to a string of violent attacks in France and Germany. Polish officials say they have deployed tens of thousands of security officials to cover the event.
Upon arrival at Krakow airport Francis was greeted by Poland's President Andrzej Duda, first lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda and other state officials, and hundreds of faithful who had waited for hours to see him. Prime Minister Beata Szydlo knelt and kissed his papal ring.
After a brief ceremony Francis then traveled in an open car through the city, waving at cheering crowds as he headed to the Wawel Castle for the main welcoming ceremony.
There, President Duda, a Catholic hailing from Krakow, hailed Francis as a "support, a road sign" in life for young people. "The world today badly needs values, it needs faith and good, all of which your Holiness is bringing," Duda declared in the castle courtyard. "We are all waiting for your word."