VATICAN - Pope's appeal for the victims of violence in Congo, Pakistan and Iraq

Monday, 20 February 2017 peace   violence  

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - After the Marian prayer of the Angelus with the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square yesterday, Sunday, February 19, the Holy Father invited to pray for the people who suffer violence in different parts of world. These are his words: "There continue unfortunately to be reports of violent and brutal clashes in the region of Central Kasai in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I suffer deeply for the victims, especially for so many children ripped from their families and their schools to be used as soldiers. This is a tragedy, child soldiers. I assure you of my closeness and my prayer, for religious and humanitarian personnel working in that difficult region; and renew an urgent appeal to the conscience and responsibility of national authorities and the international community, so that they take appropriate and timely decisions in order to help these our brothers and sisters.
Let us pray for them and for all populations in other parts of the African continent and the world who suffer because of violence and war. I think, in particular, to the dear people of Pakistan and Iraq, hit by cruel terrorist acts in recent days. We pray for the victims, the wounded and the families. Let us pray fervently that every heart hardened by hatred is converted to peace, according to the will of God". (SL) (Agenzia Fides 20/02/2017)


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