The Pope Video - January 2022 - Those who suffer religious persecution

Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis dedicates his first prayer message of 2022 to combatting religious discrimination and persecution, reminding us that religious freedom is not limited to freedom of worship, but is tied to fraternity.

In the video Pope Francis says:

How is it possible that many religious minorities currently suffer discrimination or persecution?

How can we allow that in this society, which is so civilized, there are people who are persecuted simply because they publicly profess their faith? Not only is it unacceptable; it's inhuman, it's insane.

Religious freedom is not limited to freedom of worship - that is to say, that people can have a worship service on the day prescribed by their sacred books. Rather, it makes us appreciate others in their differences and recognize them as true brothers and sisters.

As human beings, we have so many things in common that we can live alongside each other, welcoming our differences with the joy of being brothers and sisters.

And may a small difference, or a substantial difference such as a religious one, not obscure the great unity of being brothers and sisters.

Let us choose the path of fraternity. Because either we are brothers and sisters, or we all lose.

Let us pray that those who suffer discrimination and suffer religious persecution, may find in the societies in which they live the rights and dignity that comes from being brothers and sisters.

Watch the video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Enc06cf5j8I