Martyrdom is not an
historical experience only but is present today as Christians
are persecuted and murdered for their faith, Pope Francis said
Friday.
"People who hate Jesus Christ" are still threatening
Christians around the world, the pope said during his homily at
morning Mass in St. Martha's House, the Vatican guesthouse where
Francis lives.
Reflecting on the Gospel accounts of the death of John the
Baptist, Francis said the story makes him think of those who
sacrifice everything to uphold their faith.
"When I read this passage (of the Gospel) I confess I get
emotional and I always think of two things," Francis said.
"First, I think of our martyrs, the martyrs of our times,
men, women, children who are being persecuted, hated, driven out
of their homes, tortured, massacred," he added.
"And this is not a thing of the past: this is happening
right now. Our martyrs, who are meeting their end under the
authority of corrupt people who hate Jesus Christ.
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