2023-08-12 15:53:00
By Eduardo Berdejo
August 12, 2023 / 8:53 am
Pope Francis has lamented the assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, which occurred in Quito on Wednesday the 9th, and called on the population and political forces to unite “in a common effort in favor of peace.”
The Holy Father conveyed his condolences to the Villavicencio family, and to the entire country, through a telegram sent by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to the Archbishop of Quito, Msgr. Alfredo José Espinoza.
In the text, Cardinal Pietro Parolin indicates that, “in the face of the suffering caused by unjustifiable violence, which he condemns with all his might, His Holiness calls on all citizens and political forces to unite in a common effort in favor of peace”.
“With these sentiments, Pope Francis, while entrusting the eternal rest of Mr. Villavicenzo to the maternal intercession of Our Lady of El Quinche, affectionately imparts the apostolic blessing, as a sign of faith and hope in the risen Christ.”
Fernando Villavicencio was assassinated on Wednesday afternoon at the end of a political meeting in the Ecuadorian capital. Although this fact has shocked the country, the government decided not to change the date of the presidential elections, scheduled for August 20.
Likewise, the government of Guillermo Lasso asked the United States for the collaboration of the FBI to clarify the case. The candidate’s killer was wounded during the crossfire and died moments later.
Eduardo Berdejo is a graduate of the National University of San Marcos (Peru). He has been part of the ACI Prensa team since 2001.
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