Terrorism
“You do not build a united humanity by running after scapegoats. You do not contribute to the cohesion of society and the liveliness of social issues by voicing a virtual world of controversies and verbal abuse. Imperceptibly but concretely, such virtual abuse always ends up turning into real hatred and promoting destruction as a route to progress”. With these words, cardinal André Vingt-Trois, archbishop of Paris, spoke to the politicians and authorities that last night filled up the cathedral of Notre-Dame to attend Mass for the repose of father Jacques Hamel. The cardinal gave an exacting sermon, and important politicians were in the front row listening to him, such as the president of the Republic, François Hollande, the Prime Minister, Manuel Valls, presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and Valéry Giscard-d’Estaing, and ministers Jean-Marc Ayrault (foreign affairs), Bernard Cazeneuve (home office), Emmanuel Macron (economy), Najat Vallaud-Belkacem (education). “Fighting with words – the cardinal urged on – too often ends up trivialising aggression, turning it into a relational mode. A society built on mutual trust cannot but progress through dialogue, in which differences are listened to and respected”. Taking advantage of the fact that the political authorities were there, the cardinal asked “not to annoy other people, not to trigger conflict and aggression, not to incite abuse with inconsiderate proposals”. Mass was also attended by the bishop of Rouen, monsignor Dominique Lebrun, who paid tribute to the priest of his diocese who was savagely murdered last Tuesday: “Father, remember Jacques who was called by You. We dare pray for the murderers of father Jacques too. If You want it, because You want it, save them”. The ceremony ended with an exchange of greetings between the bishops and the political authorities. At the end, president Hollande was called to lead the parade of ministrants, next to the cardinal.
