VATICAN CITY, APRIL 6, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says he is following the conflicts in Libya and Ivory Coast with «great apprehension.»
«Violence and hate are always defeat,» the Pope exclaimed today at the end of the general audience, when he mentioned the «dramatic events that the populations of the Ivory Coast and Libya are experiencing in these days.»
«I pray for the victims and express my closeness to all those who are suffering at this time,» he assured.
Both countries are in power struggles. In Libya, Moammar Gadhafi has refused to step down after more than 30 years of rule. In Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo negates to relinquish power after Alassane Ouattara was elected to succeed him last November. Both countries have seen international intervention, with NATO leading an offensive to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya, and the United Nations and France in the fray in Ivory Coast.
The Holy Father also mentioned how he has sent Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, to Ivory Coast to «demonstrate my solidarity.» The 62-year-old Vatican official is a native of Ghana, Ivory Coast’s eastern neighbor.
The Pontiff expressed his wish that the cardinal might soon be able to enter the country.
He concluded with a «renewed and heartfelt appeal to all parties to the cause to initiate a process of peacemaking and dialogue, and to avoid further bloodshed.»
