Pope Francis highlights Luxembourg’s role in promoting Peace and Unity during Apostolic Visit
During his visit to Luxembourg on September 26, Pope Francis emphasized the nation's critical role in advancing European unity and peace, while also addressing concerns over the rise of nationalism and conflicts.
"Luxembourg can demonstrate to all the value of peace over the devastation of war and the advantages of international cooperation over the detrimental effects of rigid stances, selfishness, and the shortsighted or even violent pursuit of personal gain," the Pope remarked, urging local officials to continue their dedication to peace and the building of “a united and fraternal Europe.”
In his address at the Cercle Cité palace, Pope Francis spoke to government leaders, civil society, and diplomats, reflecting on Luxembourg’s role as a founding member of the European Union and its strategic position in shaping post-World War II Europe.
He also expressed concern over increasing investments in arms manufacturing, stating, "Let us remember that war represents a defeat. It is regrettable to observe that in a European nation, the most profitable investments are in weapon manufacturing."
Praising Luxembourg's strong democratic principles, Pope Francis noted how the nation's commitment to human dignity and the common good has allowed it to play a pivotal role on the global stage.
"Indeed," he added, "the significance of a State in international affairs or its role as an economic and financial hub is not reliant on the size of its territory or the number of its inhabitants."
Pope Francis’s visit to Luxembourg is part of his 46th Apostolic Journey abroad, which also includes Belgium.
His address touches on themes such as peace, migration, climate change, the future of youth, and the Church's influence in secular societies, highlighting the importance of Christian education.
While Belgium has a Catholic population of around 8.4 million, Luxembourg has fewer than 300,000 Catholics.
The last papal visit to Luxembourg was by Saint John Paul II in 1985.-With inputs from Vatican News
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