Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Asunción (Agenzia Fides) - The Archbishop of Asunción, His Exc. Mgr. Edmundo Ponziano Valenzuela Mellid, S.D.B., in a brief interview to a local radio station, spoke of the murder of the businessman and alleged drug trafficker Jorge Rafaat, which took place on the evening of 15 June in Pedro Juan Caballero, and condemned the crime.
"Violence begets violence - said the Archbishop -, and does not solve anything. We categorically reject what happened. The country is built with mercy, with love, with work and with dialogue. Violence will not improve the country, but will sink it"
According to information gathered by Fides, what has shocked the country was the violent crime: Rafaat was riddled with 16 gunshots, according to police, and there were numerous armed criminals.
The Archbishop noted that these facts are certainly not in harmony with the experience of the "new society" of Paraguay that is being built: almost a year after the Holy Father's visit to the country, he has noticed a positive change in youth. "Our parishes see an increase in the number of young people, moved by the spirit of God, justice, truth, to build Paraguay", concluded Mgr. Valenzuela Mellid. (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 17/06/2016)
AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN - After the release of the main suspect, Bishops call for a “thorough investigation” into the attack on Bishop Carlassare
AFRICA/DR CONGO - Cardinal Ambongo: “The situation in Goma is serious. We fear widespread insecurity in the east of the DRC”
AMERICA/ECUADOR - From "island of peace" to one of the most violent countries in the world
AMERICA/ECUADOR - Prosecutor investigating links between narcos and corrupt officials killed
AFRICA/DR CONGO - Update after the reactions sparked by a publication by Fides Agency on Cardinal Ambongo