The Pope’s Plea for Peace in Africa
During a recent general audience, Pope Francis invoked peace for the African nation in chaos after the siege of rebels supported by Rwanda in the East. Tensions and violence are also escalating in the capital, Kinshasa. On the day of the meeting between the Congolese and Rwandan presidents, the Pontiff urged for “maximum commitment to resolve the conflict peacefully.” He also expressed concern for other war-torn regions and remembered the Holocaust as a warning to constantly defend human dignity.
By Salvatore Cernuzio – Vatican City
The Pope’s thoughts are with the Democratic Republic of Congo, a beloved African nation he visited in January 2023. Today, a meeting is scheduled between President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to address the new crisis erupting fiercely in the North Kivu region, plagued by thirty years of violence among armed groups. The recent siege of around 3,500 M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, has reignited the conflict. The city of Goma is at the epicenter of the clashes, a place the Pope had hoped to visit on his planned trip.
“I express my concern over the worsening situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I urge all parties in the conflict to commit to ending hostilities and safeguarding the civilian population of Goma and other affected areas,” said the Pope.
READ THE FULL TEXT OF POPE FRANCIS’ STATEMENT HERE
Halting the Violence
From the Paul VI Hall, the Pope also made a plea for the capital Kinshasa, where reports of an uncontrollable situation are emerging. The airport has fallen, the provincial government headquarters and foreign embassies are under siege, banks and supermarkets are being looted, hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties (with over a hundred dead and a thousand injured according to hospital reports), and street protests are rampant. The Pope prays and requests prayers for an end to all forms of violence against people and their property.
“As I pray for the swift restoration of peace and security, I urge local authorities and the international community to make maximum efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully,” added the Pontiff.
War is Always Defeat
The urgency for a solution in the DRCongo does not overshadow other war-torn territories worldwide. As is customary on Wednesdays, Pope Francis invites believers to continue praying for peace in lands where tensions and cruelties persist.
“Palestine, Israel, Myanmar, and many countries in conflict. War is always a defeat. Let us pray for peace,” urged the Pope.
Remembering the Victims of German Concentration Camps
From today’s horror to yesterday’s, the Pope also requests a prayer for peace from the Polish faithful attending the general audience. He recalls the commemorations of Polish citizens who fell victim to extermination in German concentration camps during World War II. “Be custodians of the truth and memory of this tragedy and its victims, including many Christian martyrs,” emphasized the Pontiff.
“It is a reminder of the constant commitment to peace and the defense of the dignity of human life in every nation and every religion. I bless you from the heart,” concluded the Pope.
New Year Wishes for Lunar New Year
Pope Francis also sends his blessings to the “millions of families” celebrating the Lunar New Year in East Asia and various parts of the world today. He views this occasion as an opportunity to strengthen family relationships and friendships. “With New Year wishes,” said the Pope, amidst applause from a group of Chinese attendees, “may my blessing reach all of you, invoking peace, serenity, and health from the Lord.”
