Vatican City, Feb 3, 2008 / 08:30 am
During today’s Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope called for a "definitive end" to "human suffering" generated from the kidnappings in Colombia.
The Holy Father, speaking in Spanish, emphasized the importance of raising “fervent prayers to God for Colombia, where, for a long time, many sons and daughters of this beloved country have suffered from extortion, kidnapping and violent loss of their loved ones.”
"I ask the Lord to see an end to this inhuman suffering, and to keep open paths of reconciliation, mutual respect and sincere harmony…which are the solid foundation for achieving justice and building peaceful stability," encouraged the Pontiff.
The Pope also invited Catholics to “join our brothers and sisters in Kenya - some of who are present here in St. Peter's Square - in a prayer for reconciliation, justice and peace in their country.”
Pope Benedict hopes that the mediation efforts will lead to “a quick solution to the conflict, which has already claimed many victims.”