杏MAP导航

By Devin Watkins

At least 250 people have died throughout Iraq in connection with massive anti-government protests during the month of October.

On Monday, masked gunmen murdered 18 protesters and wounded over 800 others in the Shiite holy city of Karbala. Protesters said they were unsure if the gunmen were special forces, riot police, or militias backed by Iran.

Dialogue and reconciliation

杏MAP导航 Francis sent his thoughts to all Iraqis on Wednesday and appealed for both the government and protesters to pursue the path of dialogue. He was speaking at the end of the weekly General Audience.

鈥淎s I express my condolences for the victims and my closeness to their families and the wounded, I invite the authorities to listen to the cry of the people who are asking for a dignified and peaceful life,鈥� said the 杏MAP导航.

鈥淚 urge all Iraqis, with the support of the international community,鈥� he continued, 鈥渢o pursue the path of dialogue and reconciliation and to seek the right solutions to the challenges and problems of the country.鈥�

杏MAP导航 Francis also assured the nation鈥檚 people of his constant prayer that they 鈥渕ay find peace and stability after so many years of war and violence, in which they have suffered so much.鈥�

鈥淲here are Iraq鈥檚 riches?鈥�

Bishop Shelmon Warduni, the President of Caritas Iraq, voiced his appreciation for the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 appeal, in an interview with Vatican Radio.

The emeritus auxiliary bishop of Baghdad called on Iraq鈥檚 leaders to stop protecting their own interests and 鈥渢heir own pockets鈥� but rather to think about their citizens who are poorly treated.

He urged the international community to pay attention to those poor people 鈥渨ho studied hard but can鈥檛 find work.鈥�

Bishop Warduni said Iraqis are protesting to demand their rights be respected by 鈥渁 government that exploits its own people.鈥�

鈥淗ow is it possible for Iraq to be so rich 鈥� so rich 鈥� but the people are still forced to cry out for work?鈥� he asked.

鈥淲here is Iraq鈥檚 money? Where are the riches of Iraq?鈥�

Corruption breeding discontent

Widespread discontent over economic hardship and corruption sparked the first wave of protests earlier in October, in which 149 people were killed. A second wave of anti-government demonstrations began on Friday. At least 73 people have died since then.

The unrest is centered in Shiite-majority areas, and most of the anger seems directed at Shiite political parties and militias, which are often supported by neighboring Iran.