Pope Francis encourages students in Bethlehem to have faith in hope

Pope Francis encourages students in Bethlehem to have faith in hope

In a moving letter to Bethlehem University, Pope Francis appealed to students and staff to live out their calling as joyful followers of Christ and to share the faith with others. In his message sent at Christmas, he emphasized the importance of hope and spiritual renewal at a time when the city of Jesus' birth is suffering from political and social tension. “I ask that these occasions provide each of you with an opportunity for spiritual renewal,” the pope wrote, encouraging the younger generation to see their faith as a valuable asset, even in difficult times. He also addressed the need for community and solidarity to promote peace and understanding, as by KAP reports.

In contrast, immediately after the Pope's visit, the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium distanced itself from his statements about the role of women in the church. In a published statement, the university expressed its incomprehension and disapproval of Francis' perceived deterministic stance. The university stands out as an inclusive institution that campaigns against sexual violence. However, in his speech in Leuven, the pontiff had described the role of women with complex specific characteristics and emphasized the need that dignity cannot be determined by human laws. These contradictory reactions show that as the pope travels across Europe, he is encountering significant opposition in some academic circles, as reported in Leuven, where students directly voiced their critical concerns about gender issues and called on the church to reconsider its positions The daily mail.