杏MAP导航

By Christopher Wells

鈥淟et us not forget the peoples who are suffering on account of war,鈥� 杏MAP导航 Francis said at the conclusion of the weekly General Audience, noting especially the people of Ukraine and of Palestine and Israel, but also 鈥渟o many others鈥� afflicted by violence around the world.

The 杏MAP导航 went on to call for prayers for victims of recent terror attacks in Burkina Faso. On Sunday, fifteen worshipers were killed in an attack on a church in the northern part of the country, while a second attack on a mosque in the east left 鈥渄ozens鈥� of people dead.

Hatred is not the solution to conflict

In a telegram sent on Monday, the 杏MAP导航 expressed the 鈥渄eep affliction鈥� he felt on hearing of the attacks, and assured members of the Catholic and Muslim communities of his closeness and his shared pain. He prayed for the repose of those who were killed in attacks and healing for those who were injured.鈥�

鈥淩ecalling that hate is not the solution for conflicts,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 went on to urge 鈥渞espect for sacred places鈥� and called for 鈥渁 fight against violence鈥� aimed at 鈥渢he promotion of the values of peace.鈥�

Criminal violence in Haiti

杏MAP导航 Francis on Wednesday also called for prayers for the people of Haiti, 鈥渨here crimes and kidnappings by armed gangs continue.鈥�

According to a UN report, more than 1000 people were killed, injured, or kidnapped in Haiti in January, making it the bloodiest month for the Caribbean nation in almost two years.

Just last week, six religious brothers and a priest were kidnapped in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. In January, six religious sisters were kidnapped and subsequently released.

鈥榃e鈥檝e had enough!鈥�

Haiti鈥檚 bishops have pleaded for an end to the violence and bloodshed, and called on the authorities 鈥渢o immediately put an end to the suffering鈥� of the Haitian people.

鈥淓nough blood and tears have been shed by murders, kidnappings, and rapes committed over the past three years,鈥� the Bishops wrote in February, adding 鈥淲e鈥檝e had enough!鈥�

Increased violence in recent months has been linked to Prime Minister Ariel Henry鈥檚 decision to remain in power despite an earlier agreement to hold elections in February 2024. In their statement, the Bishops urged Henry to step down 鈥渇or the good of the entire nation.鈥�