AFRICA/SOMALIA - “We are deeply grateful to the Holy Father for his concern for the suffering of the people of Somalia” says apostolic administrator of Mogadishu

Mogadishu (Agenzia Fides)- “In these sad days when violent fighting is once again devastating Mogadishu, leaving dead, injured and displaced civilians, and seriously threatening the peace process in Somalia, we are deeply consoled by the news that Pope Benedict XVI has asked for the proceeds of the Holy Thursday Mass collection in St John Lateran which he will preside to be devolved to the medical dispensary run by Caritas Somalia at Baidoa” Bishop Giorgio Bertin, Apostolic administrator of the diocese of the diocese of Mogadishu and president of Caritas Somalia said in a statement.
“In this decision - said Bishop Bertin - we see the Holy Father’s concern for the suffering of the Somali people, especially the poor, the voiceless and an act of homage to all, Christians and non, who gave their lives in almost 20 years of civil war to help the poor and promote peace in this martyred country. We remember especially the sacrifice of Sr Leonella”.
“The Pope’s gesture makes our small centre in Baidoa feel in still deeper communion with the charity of the universal Church. We wish to share our joy for this attention with the whole Caritas family all over the world, in the hope that Somalia will soon see the dawning of peace” the statement concludes. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 2/4/2007 righe 23 parole 270)