24th March 2023
The Pope / Vatican Media
Barcelona News Catalonia News Madrid News Main News

Pope Francis includes Spain as ‘problematic’, calling for dialogue and peace

Pope Francis has called for ‘dialogue and peace’ in Spain, including it amongst ‘problematic’ countries – yet without directly mentioning the Catalan political crisis.

During an in-flight press conference aboard a plane taking him back to Rome from Japan, the Pope was first asked about the situation in Hong Kong. However, he replied mentioning other ‘problematic’ areas, including Chile, France (and the country’s yellow vest protests this year), Nicaragua, and also Spain.

The Pope / Vatican Media
Pope Francis gives his customary press conference on his return from Japan (Photo courtesy of Vatican Media)

‘It’s not just Hong Kong,’ Pope Francis said. ‘Think about Chile, think about France, democratic France: a year of yellow jackets. Think of Nicaragua, think of other Latin American countries that have problems like this, and even some European countries. It’s something general. How does the Holy See handle this? It calls for dialogue, for peace.’

‘But it’s not only Hong Kong,’ Pope Francis continued. ‘There are various problematic situations that I am unable to evaluate at the moment. I respect peace and I ask for peace for all these countries that have problems, Spain too. It is better to put things in perspective and to call for dialogue, for peace, so that problems can be resolved.’

The Pope also spoke strongly against the use of nuclear weapons, referring to them as ‘immoral – not only their use, but also possessing them: because an accident or the madness of some government leader, one person’s madness can destroy humanity.’

Recent Posts

1,500 evacuated as Spain’s wildfires start early

News Desk

China’s Xi Jinping invites Pedro Sánchez on state visit at end of March

News Desk

Spain’s far-right Vox group fails in no-confidence vote against government

News Desk

Supreme Court maintains misuse of funds & disobedience charges against Puigdemont

News Desk

Guardia Civil find remains in Pyrenees, ‘possibly of French murder suspect’

News Desk

Activists demand EU stops ‘green’ funds used to link ski resorts in Aragón Pyrenees

News Desk

Leave a Comment