Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) - In a press statement the Catholic Bishops of Mexico have voiced deep concern for the loss of life and material goods in the Middle East and implore from the God of life the gift of peace. In the statement signed by the president of the Mexican Bishops’ Conference Bishop José Guadalupe Martín Rábago, of the diocese of Leon the prelates affirm. "We the Catholic Bishops of Mexico are united with the grief and suffering which is spreading in the countries of the Middle East, for the irrecoverable loss of life and material goods ... we implore the God of life that through dialogue reconciliation and peace may reign in those biblical places chosen by God to teach mankind of yesterday and today that peace is reached only through love":
“We see - the Bishops continue- the terrible war afflicting the Middle East. Hundreds of people have been killed, thousands are wounded and thousands more forced to flee their homes to save their lives". The Bishops declare "all violence is to be condemned because it leads only to destruction and death". The Bishops call on the countries involved to cease hostilities and on the international community to "intervene to restore law and order, and to protect civilians in danger". "All political and religious interests must be subject to sincere searching for justice and peace, to enable those peoples to live as brothers and sisters and children of God". The Mexican Bishops also give addresses for offerings in response to a request launched by Bishop Georges M. Saad Abiyunes of the Maronite Eparchy in Mexico who has asked for help to assist the people of Lebanon. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 25/7/2006; righe 19, parole 272)
