He said the world today is marked by political forces that exploit fear and conflict to justify violence and expulsions of others. He said Lithuania could be a model of openness, understanding, tolerance and solidarity. During the 1940s Nazi occupation, Lithuania’s centuries-old Jewish community was nearly exterminated. The trip, featuring Francis’ fondness for countries on the periphery, will be a welcome break for the Argentine pope. “I think the presence of the pope is showing attention to the Holocaust and to the Holocaust victims,” said Simonas Gurevichius, chairman of the Vilnius Jewish Community.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 22, 2018 12:25 UTC