Conflicts, wars, violence and injustices open deep wounds in humanity and call us to strengthen the commitment to peace and justice. The violence of man by man is in contradiction with any religion worthy of this name, and in particular with the three great monotheistic religions. Life is sacred, as a gift of God. The fifth commandment of the Decalogue says: “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13). God is the God of life, and always wants to promote and defend it; and we, created in his image and likeness, we are required to do the same. Every human being, as a creature of God, is our brother, regardless of its origin or its religious affiliation. Each person must be viewed with favor, as does God, who gives his hand merciful to all, regardless of their faith and of their origin, and that takes care of those who most need him: the poor, the sick, the marginalized , the helpless. Where life is in danger, we are called even more to protect it. Neither violence nor death will never have the last word before God, who is the God of love and life. We must pray with insistence to help us to practice in Europe, the Holy Land, in the Middle East, in Africa and elsewhere in the world the logic of peace, of reconciliation, of forgiveness, of life.

Pope Francis, 01.17.2016