Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – At the end of the General Audience on Wednesday, 30 March, in St Peter's Square, the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI greeted the pilgrims in various languages and issued an appeal for the Côte d'Ivoire bloodied by civil war. These words were spoken by the Holy Father in French: “For some time my thought have been turning to the people of Côte d'Ivoire, traumatised by painful internal conflicts and grave social and political tensions. While I express my closeness to all those who have lost a loved one or suffer as a result of the violence, I make an urgent appeal for the process of constructive dialogue for the common good to begin as quickly as possible. The dramatic clashes necessitate the urgent restoration of respect and peaceful co-existence. Every effort must be made to this end. With these sentiments, I have decided to send to that noble country Cardinal Peter Kodwo Turkson, present of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, to express my solidarity and that of the Universal Church with the victims of the conflict, and to encourage reconciliation and peace.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 31/03/2011)
