Bujumbura (Fides Service)- “Burundians who suffered so much because of war are especially close to the Holy Father at this time of pain and suffering” Father Salvator Niciteretze, secretary of the Burundian Bishops’ Commission for Lay Apostolate told Fides. “We are all deeply concerned for the Pope’s health. The entire Church in Burundi is close to the Holy Father at this difficult moment in his life and the Bishops have reminded the faithful that with their prayers they can sustain and comfort the Pope” Father Salvator told Fides.
Burundi is struggling to recover from a bloody civil war which since 1993 has killed at least 100,000 people. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 25/2/2005 righe 13 parole 126)