Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Luanda (Agenzia Fides) – The Apostolic Nunciature in Luanda, capital of Angola, was robbed last night, April 19. "Shortly before dinnertime, three people arrived at the Nunciature claiming they had the duty to deliver a confidential document from a Bishop of Angola," sources at the Nunciature told Fides. “Immediately after entering, they pulled out their weapons, a machine gun and a pistol, and threatened those present, asking for money and valuables.”
"Thanks to our faith, we were able to keep calm and we managed to convince the bandits that the Nunciature has very few things to steal. Eventually, the robbers were satisfied with taking some objects and a bit of money and left. The robbery lasted about half an hour."
Angolan police are investigating to trace those responsible for the robbery.
Angola has recently emerged from a twenty-year civil war ended in 2002. The country still has many weapons of war among the civilian population, which fuels banditry. Local authorities have begun a campaign to persuade people to hand over weapons that are illegally possessed. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 20/4/2010)
