Bloodshed in Africa Needs World Attention, Pope Says

Hope for the Continent lies in "Laudable Attitude of the People"

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 8, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI appealed to the international community to put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts costing many lives in Africa.

"At the outset, we note that peace is often fragile and even mocked," said the Pope on addressing today ambassadors of countries that maintain diplomatic relations with the Holy See.

The Holy Father referred first to the "drama of Darfur" which "is being extended to the border regions of Chad and the Central African Republic."

The Pontiff said: "The international community has seemed powerless for almost four years, despite initiatives intended to bring relief to the populations in distress and to arrive at a political solution.

"Only by active cooperation between the United Nations, the African Union, the governments and other interested parties will these methods achieve results."

The Bishop of Rome invited "all those concerned to act with determination: We cannot accept that so many innocent people continue to suffer and die in this way."

Benedict XVI added: "The situation in the Horn of Africa has recently become more serious, with the resumption of hostilities and the internationalization of the conflict."

Sister Leonella

After "calling upon all parties to lay down their arms and to enter negotiations," the Pope recalled Sister Leonella Sgobarti, "who gave her life in the service of the least fortunate, and prayed that her murderers be forgiven."

The Holy Father expressed hope that the example and testimony of this 66-year-old religious, killed on Sept. 17 in Mogadishu, near the hospital where she worked, may "inspire all those who truly seek the good of Somalia."

In his analysis of the African situation, the Pontiff then mentioned Uganda, saying that: "We must pray for the progress of negotiations between the parties, in order to hasten the end of that cruel conflict which has even seen numerous children enlisted and forced to become soldiers."

Glimpse of progress

"I repeat:" the Pope said, "We must not forget Africa with its numerous situations of war and tension. We must remember that only negotiations between the various protagonists can open the way to a just settlement of the conflicts and offer a glimpse of progress towards the establishment of lasting peace."

The Holy Father then focused on the Great Lakes region, which "has seen much bloodshed over the years through merciless wars."

"Recent positive developments are to be welcomed with interest and hope, especially the conclusion of the period of political transition in Burundi and, more recently, in the Democratic Republic of Congo," he said.

Rule of law

Benedict XVI added: "It is urgent that these countries commit themselves to restoring the proper functioning of the rule of law, in order to disarm the warlords and allow society to develop."

The Pontiff hoped that in Rwanda, "the long process of national reconciliation after the genocide may finally result in justice, but also in truth and forgiveness."

The Holy Father mentioned the Ivory Coast, "urging the embattled parties to create a climate of mutual trust that can lead to disarmament and peace."

He also spoke of the situation in Southern Africa, in whose countries "millions of people are reduced to a situation of great vulnerability that clamors for the attention and the support of the international community."

Positive signs

The Pope saw positive signs for Africa in "the wish expressed by the international community to keep its attention focused on this continent. Likewise the strengthening of Africa's continental and regional institutions bears witness to the desire of the countries concerned to take increasing charge of their own destiny."

Benedict XVI said that the great hope for Africa is "the laudable attitude of the people who commit themselves with determination every day, on the ground, to promote projects which contribute to the development and the organization of economic and social life."