VATICAN CITY, APRIL 27, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Don't forget the tragedies and suffering of Africa, Benedict XVI is urging the faithful.
"I ask you to pray for them and to be their voice," the Pope appealed today after praying the Regina Caeli with several thousand people gathered in St. Peter's Square
"The news from some African countries continues to cause profound suffering and much concern," he said. "I ask you not to forget about these tragic events and the brothers and sisters who are involved in them!"
The Pontiff mentioned three specific situations, beginning with Somalia, especially in Mogadishu, where "bitter armed conflicts are worsening the humanitarian crisis of this dear people, which for too many years has been oppressed by brutality and misery."
In Darfur, continued the Holy Father, "despite a momentary glimmer of hope, remains a tragedy without end for hundreds of thousands of defenseless and abandoned persons."
Benedict XVI then commented on Burundi: "After the recent bombardments that struck and terrorized the capital city of Bujumbura and also affected the apostolic nunciature, and in the face of the threat of a new civil war, I invite all the parties involved to take up again without delay the way of dialogue and reconciliation."
The Pope concluded: "I ask the local political authorities, the leaders of the international community and every person of goodwill not to give up on efforts to bring and end to the violence and the honor the commitments that have been made, in a way that will provide a solid basis for peace and development.
"We entrust our petitions to Mary, Queen of Africa."
ZE08042706 - 2008-04-27
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-22431?l=english
Don't Forget Africa, Pontiff Appeals
Urges Faithful to Pray, Speak Up
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