Pope Francis on the Israeli attack on Beirut: There are also morals in war

According to Reuters, Francis was asked, during a press conference held on board the papal plane, about the Israeli attack on Friday in Beirut, in which Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed.

Pope Francis: The rules of war indicate some morality

Speaking about the conflict in the Middle East, Francis noted that “defense must always be proportional to offense.”

Pope in Belgium: The Church must ask for forgiveness for abuse of minors

Tragic cases of abuse against children are a scourge that the Church confronts with firmness and decisiveness, implementing a prevention program around the world (…) Pope Francis said that the Church should be ashamed and ask for forgiveness for the abuse of minors. Currently in Belgium, a country where more than 700 complaints and reports of abuse by Catholic clergy have been filed since 2012.

“Otherwise, the matter goes beyond morality, and such actions are considered immoral if carried out by any country,” the Pope said. He added that there are also morals in war, pointing out that “the rules of war indicate some morality.”

The press conference was held on board the plane of Pope Francis, who was returning from a trip to Luxembourg and Belgium.