Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - An anguished call to the international community to assist the suffering people in Uganda and Darfur (Sudan) was launched by Pope John Paul II on Sunday 25 July during his address before the midday Angelus prayer in the courtyard at his Summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. “Today, in particular, I would call attention to the tragic events which persist in certain countries of the beloved continent of Africa - the Pope said -. For more than eighteen years northern Uganda has been devastated by a inhuman conflict which involves millions of people, most of them children. Many of whom, out of fear and deprived of a future, feel forced to "become soldiers". I call on the international community and national leaders to put an end to this tragic conflict and offer authentic prospects for peace in the whole of Uganda. Just as concerning is the situation of those beloved people of the western Sudan region of Darfur, bordering with Chad. War, which has intensified in recent months, brings increasing poverty, desperation and death. Twenty years of hard fighting has produced in Sudan high numbers of dead, homeless and refugees. How can we remain indifferent? I urge political leaders and international organisations, not to forget these brothers and sisters so sorely tried.”
The Pope recalled that the Christian community is already working to bring relief in these situations of emergency: “in Uganda the Bishops are working tirelessly for national reconciliation and to give assistance to people in difficulty. With regard to Darfur I have sent the President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, Archbishop Paul Josef Cordes, to carry to those suffering people the spiritual and material solidarity of the Holy See and the universal Church”. Lastly the Pope asked everyone to “pray for our brothers and sisters in Africa”.
(S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 26/7/2004 - Righe 22; Parole 332)
