Pope condemns bloodshed in Burkina Faso and calls for peace
By Linda Bordoni
Pope Francis expressed grief for a 鈥渢ragic terrorist attack鈥� on Sunday during Holy Mass at a Catholic church and for an attack perpetrated against a Mosque in Burkina Faso as Muslim worshipers gathered for morning prayers.
In a telegram sent on his behalf by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope reiterated his firm belief that 鈥渉atred is not the solution to conflicts.鈥�
The Pope鈥榮 words of closeness come as the Christian community in the West African nation was shattered by the violent massacre of 15 worshippers in a Catholic church in Essakane, in the far north of the country, last Sunday.
A second attack took place at a Mosque in Natiaboani in eastern Burkina Faso in which dozens were killed on the same day.
In a telegram addressed to Bishop Laurent Dabiré, President of the Bishops鈥� Conference of Burkina Faso and Niger, the Pope said he was deeply for the loss of human life caused by the attacks and joins in the mourning of the families.
He said he prays for the repose of the deceased, 鈥渆ntrusting them to God's mercy, and for the healing of the injured.鈥�
And recalling that 鈥渉atred is not the solution to conflicts,鈥� the Pope asked for respect for sacred places and called for 鈥渢he fight against violence in order to promote the values of peace.鈥�
The Holy Father鈥檚 telegram concluded with the invocation of divine blessings for the sons and daughters of Burkina Faso, and the nation as a whole.
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