The pontiff warned that constant exposure to images of suffering can \u201cdull our hearts rather than stir them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV called on Christians and Muslims to resist the growing danger of apathy in modern society, warning May 11 that the constant stream of images of human suffering can \u201cdull our hearts rather than stir them\u201d and urging believers to \u201ctransform indifference into solidarity.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope made the appeal during an audience with participants in the eighth colloquium between the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies, held under the theme \u201cHuman Compassion and Empathy in Modern Times.\u201d<\/p>\n
In his address in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father said compassion and empathy are essential for \u201cwhat it means to live a truly human life.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope noted that the Muslim tradition associates compassion with mercy, \u201cas a gift bestowed by God in the hearts of believers,\u201d and that compassion \u201calways has its origin in God himself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Likewise, he said, the Christian tradition\u2019s sacred Scripture \u201creveals a God who does not remain indifferent to suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Jesus Christ, this divine compassion becomes visible and tangible,\u201d he said. \u201cGod goes beyond seeing and hearing by taking on our human nature in order to become the living embodiment of compassion.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following Jesus\u2019 example, Leo said, Christian compassion \u201cbecomes a sharing in or \u2018suffering with\u2019 others, particularly the most disadvantaged.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor our traditions, human compassion and empathy are not something additional or optional but are a call from God to reflect his goodness in our daily lives,\u201d the pope said.<\/p>\n
Addressing Jordan\u2019s Prince Hasan bin Talal, who was present at the audience, the Holy Father expressed appreciation \u201cfor the generous efforts of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in welcoming refugees and assisting those in need in difficult circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leo lamented that \u201ccompassion and empathy are sadly in danger of disappearing today\u201d in a society marked by technological advances that, in his view, \u201chave made us more connected than ever before, but they can also lead to indifference.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe constant flow of images and videos of the hardships of others can dull our hearts rather than stir them,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n
In the face of this reality, Leo said Christians and Muslims are called to a common mission: \u201cto revive humanity where it has grown cold, to give voice to those who suffer and to transform indifference into solidarity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCompassion and empathy can be our instruments as they have the power to restore the dignity of the other,\u201d the pope added.<\/p>\n
This story\u00a0was first published\u00a0by ACI Prensa, EWTN News\u2019 Spanish-language sister service. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n