Bogotá, Colombia, Apr 7, 2009 / 14:09 pm
The Archbishop of Bogota, Cardinal Pedro Rubiano Saenz, has called on the Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC) to cease hostilities. He also reminded them that the country demands they free all hostages because doing so will allow them to “find a way to reintegrate themselves into society.”
During Palm Sunday Mass, the cardinal expressed support for President Alvaro Uribe's call for the rebel group to end its violent actions for four months beginning this Holy Week in order to start peace negotiations. “As the ones always appealing to the kindness of the Church, why don’t they take into consideration this Holy Week and begin a period of four months without terrorist activities?” the Colombian president said.
Cardinal Rubiano said, “Everything that is done to build peace is important and deserves the support of Colombians.” The Church “has and always will be willing to collaborate” in whatever serves to put an end to a conflict that has lasted four and a half decades, he added.