Popes appeals for Nicaragua peace
and prays for victims of violence in Nigeria and Mali
After the Angelus prayer on Sunday Pope Francis urged for a
peaceful solution to the Nicaragua socio-political crisis, and he said he is
praying for the many victims of violence in Nigeria and in Mali.
By Linda Bordoni
Pope Francis on Sunday appealed to mediators
involved in political talks in Nicaragua to find a peaceful
solution to the socio-political crisis enveloping the nation.
Telling the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the
Angelus prayer, that “since 27th February, Nicaragua has been holding important
talks to resolve the serious socio-political crisis in which the country finds
itself”, the Pope said he is praying for the initiative and he encouraged the
parties involved “to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible for the good
of all”.
Nigeria and Mali
Pope Francis also asked for prayers for the numerous victims
of “brutal violence” in Nigeria and in Mali.
At least 134 Fulani herders were attacked and killed by
gunmen in central Mali on Saturday, while as many killings of members of the
Fulani tribe have been reported since February in Nigeria where over ten
thousand people have fled their homes and their lands.
The attacks represent the deadliest in recent times in a
region reeling from worsening ethnic and jihadist violence.
“May the Lord receive the victims, heal the injured, bring
consolation to the families and convert cruel hearts” he said.
Blessed Mariano Mullerat i Soldevila
Pope Francis also recalled the beatification on Saturday
of Mariano Mullerat i Soldevila in Spain, upholding him as a
model for Christians.
He said the new blessed was a family father and a physician
who cared for the physical and moral suffering of his brothers and sisters, and
gave testimony with his life and martyrdom, to the primacy of charity and
forgiveness.
“May he intercede for us and help us to walk the paths of
love and brotherhood, despite our difficulties and tribulations” he said.
Day in Memory of Missionary Martyrs
The Pope also recalled the Day in Memory of
Missionary Martyrs which is marked on 24 March.
“During 2018,” he said, “many bishops, priests, nuns and lay
faithful around the world suffered violence, while forty missionaries were
killed: almost twice as many as the previous year”.
Pope Francis pointed out that it is a “duty of gratitude for
the whole Church” to keep in mind this contemporary ordeal of brothers and
sisters who are persecuted or killed because of their faith in Jesus.
It is also a stimulus, he said, “to courageously witness our
faith and our hope in He, who on the Cross, defeated hatred and violence
forever with his love”.
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