VATICAN - Cardinal Sepe in Darfur among Christian refugees: “My presence in this refugee camp is to show the Church’s solidarity with you as she continues to preach the Gospel of truth, love, justice and peace, while urging all the people of good will to intervene not only in offering you hospitality, a listening ear, assistance and protection, but also in appealing to States and the international community to take decisive action in order to stop this awful situation”

Nyala (Fides Service) - On the last lap of his pastoral visit to Sudan Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples visited refugees in Darfur. To these people in this tragic situation which has lasted so long, the Cardinal carried comfort and blessing of Pope Benedict XVI: “I want to assure you that the Holy Father is following with particular attention all that is happening and continues to pray for your Country which has been tormented by hatred, by war and by religious extremism - the Cardinal said - Yes, the whole Church is with you and supports you in faith and in charity.”.
The Prefect of the Missionary Congregation explained the reason for his visit: “My presence in this refugee camp is to show the Church’s solidarity with you as she continues to preach the Gospel of truth, love, justice and peace, while urging all the people of good will to intervene not only in offering you hospitality, a listening ear, assistance and protection, but also in appealing to States and the international community to take decisive action in order to stop this awful situation”. Mentioning Venerable Pope John Paul II, who denounced the situation in Darfur come “a shameful wound of our time” (25/6/1982), Cardinal Sepe expressed admiration and gratitude to the Church organisations, international agencies and other charitable bodies which are helping to bring aid to the refugees, encouraging them to continue in their mission.
“Dear brothers and sisters, the Gospel truths, of universal and unlimited charity, justice and peace , can be understood by those who have faith. -Cardinal Sepe told the Christian community in the refugee camp -. For this reason I have come here to strengthen you in your faith and to ask you not to lose heart, knowing that even in your sufferings and anguish, the loving God is with you and listening to your cry… Do not be afraid and be assured of the Church’s presence among you, indeed, the presence of God who is working through her and all those people of good will, who are disposed to collaborate with her to promote the Gospel of peace as it was affirmed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in his Message for this year’s celebration of the World Day of Peace: “The United Nations Organisation must become a more efficient instrument for promoting the values of justice, solidarity and peace in the world. For her part, the Church, in fidelity to the mission she has received from her Founder, is committed to proclaiming everywhere ''the Gospel of peace''. In the firm conviction that she offers an indispensable service to all those who strive to promote peace, she reminds everyone that, if peace is to be authentic and lasting, it must be built on the bedrock of the truth about God and the truth about man. This truth alone can create a sensitivity to justice and openness to love and solidarity, while encouraging everyone to work for a truly free and harmonious human family.”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 24/2/2006, righe 29, parole 438)