Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rio de Janeiro (Agenzia Fides) - On the morning of Sunday, 28 November, Archbishop Orani João Tempesta of Rio received a fax from the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, which conveyed the solidarity of Pope Benedict XVI with the Church in Rio de Janeiro, signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. The text stated: “The Holy Father is following with deep sorrow the serious clashes and violence of recent days in Rio de Janeiro, particularly in the 'Vila Cruzeiro' community. The Pope assures his prayers for the dead and also for their families, and invites those responsible to put an end to the disorder, and encourages them to restore respect for the law and the Common Good.” Conveying the message of the Pope, Archbishop Baldisseri is united in prayer “in these painful circumstances for his archdiocese.”
According to information gathered by Fides, the slums of Rio are back under the control of the police, and normal daily activities have resumed with the police presence. The population is still experiencing fear and distrust after expulsion of the drug dealers. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced the presence of the military for an indefinite time in the occupied zone. They will remain “as long as necessary to ensure peace,” he said. Archbishop Orani João Tempesta of Rio had asked for the peaceful co-existence of the city (see Fides 27/11/2010). (CE) (Agenzia Fides 01/12/2010)
