Pope Francis | The Pope in the Congo: “Silence the weapons”

by time news

“Hagan silence the guns, end the war. Enough! Enough of enriching yourself at the expense of the weakest, enough of enriching yourself with resources and blood money!”. From the Congo, Pope Francis has criticized in this way this Tuesday the multinationals and local leaders who plunder the riches of Africa and arm its citizens, in an increasingly stronger attack against those who are considered responsible for plagues such as hunger, inequality and wars that afflict the African continent.

“I address a vehement appeal to all people, to all entities, internal and external, who pull the strings of the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, depredating it, flogging it and destabilizing it”, Francisco stated. “You they are getting rich through exploitation illegal use of the assets of this country and the bloody sacrifice of innocent victims,” ​​he cried.

The Pope made this statement in Khinsasa after hearing the testimonies of four victims of the conflict in the Vatican’s nunciature in the country, which included accounts of mutilations, rapes and massacres. Shocking testimonies of the conflict that has been reactivated with the clashes in the country between the Army and various militias.

cut into pieces

“Sometimes, mixed heads of people with animal meat. It was our food daily life”, said Emelda M’karhungulu, who also recounted her experience as a sexual slave. While another victim, Ladislas Kambale Kombi, 16, claimed to have helplessly assisted in the murder of her father, “cut into pieces ”, according to the story collected by the AFP agency.

“Ante inhuman violence who have seen with their eyes and experienced in their own flesh, we were impressed. And there are no words; only cry, remaining silent, “Francis then replied. “His tears are my tears, his pain is my pain,” the pontiff continued, also asking for “pardon for violence of man against man”.

In line with this reasoning, Francisco once again pointed out those he sees as guilty of this situation. The war has been “unleashed by a insatiable greed for raw materials and money, which feeds an armed economy, which demands instability and corruption“Francis considered. “It is shameful and unworthy to know that the insecurity, violence, and war that tragically affect so many people are fueled not only by external forces, but also by internal ones, for interests and to obtain advantages,” he criticized, at another time during his visit. .

The forgiveness

Nail unusually harsh words, and clearwho arrived after hours before the Pope was welcomed in a colorful and multidinary mass (of more than a million people), on the esplanade of the N’dolo airport in Khinsasa. An act during which Francis made a speech largely focused on the idea of forgiveness.

“In a world devastated by violence and war, peace is born when the wounds suffered do not leave hate scars, but they become a place to make room for others and accept their weaknesses”, he said from there. “It’s not about leaving it all behind as if nothing had happened, but to open our hearts to others with love”, Francisco added, in a gesture that it is unknown how many will listen.

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