The Pope: 'Those who believe in peace today are ridiculed and expelled from public discourse'

"In the conditions of uncertainty and suffering in today's world, joy would seem impossible. Those who today believe in peace and have chosen the unarmed way of Jesus and the martyrs are often ridiculed, pushed out of public discourse and not infrequently accused of favouring adversaries and enemies. Christians, however, do not have enemies, but brothers and sisters, who remain such even when we do not understand each other'. This is what Pope Leo XIV said in the Angelus of St Stephen the Protomartyr, that of St Stephen "is the face of one who does not leave history indifferent, but faces it with love". "The Mystery of Christmas," the Pope continued, "brings us this joy: a joy motivated by the tenacity of those who already live fraternity, of those who already recognise around them, even in their adversaries, the indelible dignity of daughters and sons of God. This is why Stephen died forgiving, like Jesus: for a truer strength than that of weapons'. "It is a gratuitous strength," he emphasises, "already present in everyone's heart, which is reactivated and communicates itself irresistibly when someone begins to look differently at his neighbour, to offer him attention and recognition. Yes, this is being reborn, this is coming to light again, this is our Christmas!" Thus the Christian can oppose 'care to arrogance, faith to distrust'.

"In remembrance of St Stephen the First Martyr," the Pope said after the recitation of the Angelus from the studio window of the Apostolic Palace, "let us invoke his intercession so that he may make our faith strong and sustain the communities that suffer the most for their Christian witness. "May his example of meekness, courage and forgiveness," he emphasised, "accompany those who work in situations of conflict to promote dialogue, reconciliation and peace".