Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rio de Janeiro (Agenzia Fides) - Archbishop Orani João Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro, before the recent clashes in the city, pleaded to “overcome evil with good” and this means “promoting peace”. This is “the way out of the vicious circle of evil, of violence,” he said. The violent clashes between police and drug traffickers began last Sunday, when the police entered the slums of Rio de Janeiro, working to restore the State's presence in areas considered “free” by the drug mafias. So far the fighting has resulted in 25 deaths, 3 injured police, 196 arrested and 96 burnt vehicles.
Bishop Tempesta said in a statement that the Archdiocese is in solidarity with all those who are “going through tribulation and suffering due to the current uncertainties and difficulties” that Rio de Janeiro has experienced in recent days. To achieve the desired social development and the cultural equilibrium for Rio de Janeiro “it is necessary to talk about peace,” said Bishop Tempesta. He also described as fundamental returning again “to seek inspiration in the values of life and human dignity.” (CE) (Agenzia Fides 27/11/2010)
