Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bogota (Agenzia Fides) - The Secretary of the Episcopal Conference of Colombia (ECC), His Exc. Mgr. Juan Vicente Córdoba, Auxiliary of Bucaramanga, has expressed the hope that the death of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia leader (FARC), known as "Alfonso Cano", does not unleash a new wave of violence and reiterated his invitation to participate in the dialogue for peace. The news of Cano’s death was confirmed on the night of November 4, following the army's operation "Odyssey", carried out in the department of Cauca, in the south-west of the country.
Cano’s death comes after the death of Luis Edgar Devia, alias Raul Reyes, in March 2008 in Ecuador, and of Victor Julio Suarez Rojas, alias Mono Jojoy, in September 2010. Cano was considered the ideologue of the FARC, who had succeeded Manuel Marulanda Velez in 2008, alias Tiro Fijo, who died after 40 years at the helm of the narco-terrorist guerrillas.
Mgr. Cordoba said that the Church does not rejoice and celebrate anyone’s death, nor that of Guillermo León Sáenz Vargas (real name Alfonso Cano), but understands the conflict in the country and recognizes the work of the military to fulfill duty to maintain order in the country.
In the note sent to Agenzia Fides by EWTN which states that the Secretary of the ECC has shown that these guerrillas killed "have a family and dignity. But the army must take responsibility for security and is doing well". He added: "Violence brings more violence, but sometimes it is justified when it comes to the defense of life or the order of a country. This is not the ideal way. As a Church we reaffirm that the path to peace is dialogue".
With regard to the FARC, the Bishop said: "between the guerrillas Alfonso Cano was one of the most prepared and perhaps more willing towards the possibility of dialogue, now no one knows who will take care of this, but we must be realistic and say that violence is not the way or method to fullfil the noble ideals such as justice, equality and the fight against poverty". (CE) (Agenzia Fides 08/112011)
