VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI sends a Letter to the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Kenya: “Violence is futile as a means of resolving problems… the country needs peace that is based on justice and brotherhood ”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Following tragic events in Kenya, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, asked Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. to address a letter to Cardinal John Njue, archbishop of Nairobi and president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Kenya, "in order to express his unity and solidarity with your Brother Bishops and all your countrymen, and to assure you of his prayers that this great tragedy will soon come to an end ”.
“The Pope is close in spirit to all the victims of this violence: the many persons who have lost their lives, often atrociously, the grieving members of their families, the wounded, those who are dispossessed or had to abandon their homes, and all those who are threatened and living in fear” Cardinal Bertone wrote in the Letter, adding that the Pope entrusts the victims to divine mercy and urges the president of the Bishops' Conference “ to reach out generously to all those in distress and need. It is His Holiness’s heartfelt hope that this beloved Nation, whose experience of social tranquillity and development represents an element of stability in the entire troubled region, will banish as quickly as possible the threat of ethnic conflict which continues to result in so many crimes in certain parts of Africa”.
The Pope therefore "associates himself with the Message My Peace I Give You, which the Bishops of the Catholic Church in Kenya addressed to Christians and to all the people of your country" and calls for an immediate end to acts of violence and fratricidal conflict: “Violence is futile as a means of resolving problems; it only exacerbates them and leads to unprecedented suffering!”. Benedict XVI appeals to political leaders, “responsible for the common good” “embark resolutely on the path of peace and justice, since the country needs peace that is based on justice and brotherhood”. He encourages them to “resolve the present difficulties through dialogue and democratic debate” heeding the practical suggestions which the Bishops offered in their Message.
At the end of the letter recalling the recent celebration of World Day for Peace on the theme “the human family, community of peace”, the Cardinal wrote, "In this context the Holy Father expresses his hope that all Kenyans will work to make their country ever more like a family in which all see themselves as brothers and sisters whose relationships are marked by justice and love. He likewise asks believers to pray tirelessly to God for the great gift of peace. For these intentions he cordially imparts to you, Venerable Brothers, and to all the priests, men and women religious and the faithful a special Apostolic Blessing. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 7/1/2008; righe 33, parole 481)