Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - On 28 November Pope Benedict XVI launched for Sudan when he received Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako, archbishop of Khartoum, Sudan, accompanied by a group of Sudanese pilgrims. The Pope addressed some brief words to the group, expressing his concern for the situation in the country, which has recently emerged from a prolonged period of armed conflict. “I wish to reassure you of my prayers and deep concern for the peaceful development of civil and ecclesial life in your nation” the Pope said.
“The cessation of the civil war and the enactment of a new Constitution have brought hope to the long suffering people of Sudan - the Pope said - While there have been setbacks along the path of reconciliation… there now exists an unprecedented opportunity and indeed duty for the Church to contribute significantly to the process of forgiveness and national reconstruction. Though a minority, Catholics have much to offer through inter-religious dialogue as well as the provision of greatly needed social services. I encourage you therefore to take the necessary initiatives to realise Christ’s healing presence in these ways”.
The Pope said the “horror of events unfolding in Darfur, to which my beloved predecessor Pope John Paul II referred on many occasions”, points to the need “for a stronger international resolve to ensure security and basic human rights”. At the end of his address, Benedict XVI launched another appeal for Sudan and confirmed the Holy See’s commitment in this regard: “Today, I add my voice to the cry of the suffering and assure you that the Holy See, together with the Apostolic Nuncio in Khartoum, will continue to do everything possible to end the cycle of violence and misery”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 29/11/2005, righe 22, parole 303)
