Congo-Kinshasa: Pope Appeals for Peace in DR Congo
2 October 2012
Castel Gandolfo — Pope Benedict appealed for
peace in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.
Speaking to pilgrims and tourists gathered to pray the Angelus with him
at the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father deplored
the violence that flared again recently in the DRC between a rebel group
and irregular militia forces.
This latest round of fighting has driven thousands of people from their homes since the middle of September.
Pope Benedict said: "With affection and concern, I follow the developments in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo which have become the object of a high-level meeting at the United Nations. I am particularly close to the refugees, to the women and children, who because of persistent armed clashes, undergo suffering, violence and profound hardship. I pray to God: that there be found peaceful means of dialogue and for the protection of innocents; that peace based on justice return as swiftly as possible; for the restoration of fraternal coexistence within that sorely tried population, and throughout the entire region."
A group of rebels known as M23, which defected from the national army recently, has been fighting in the region with Rwanda's support.
The fighting has displaced some 300,000 civilians and 60,000 took refuge in Uganda and Rwanda.
This latest round of fighting has driven thousands of people from their homes since the middle of September.
Pope Benedict said: "With affection and concern, I follow the developments in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo which have become the object of a high-level meeting at the United Nations. I am particularly close to the refugees, to the women and children, who because of persistent armed clashes, undergo suffering, violence and profound hardship. I pray to God: that there be found peaceful means of dialogue and for the protection of innocents; that peace based on justice return as swiftly as possible; for the restoration of fraternal coexistence within that sorely tried population, and throughout the entire region."
A group of rebels known as M23, which defected from the national army recently, has been fighting in the region with Rwanda's support.
The fighting has displaced some 300,000 civilians and 60,000 took refuge in Uganda and Rwanda.
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