Pope Francis, who arrived conflict-ridden Central African
Republic on Sunday, November 29, on his final leg of a three-nation African
tour, has urged the warring factions to lay down their weapons.
"To all those who make unjust use of the weapons of
this world, I make this appeal: lay down these instruments of death!"
The country has been ravaged by sectarian violence for more
than two years after longtime Christian leader Francois Bozize was ousted by
rebels from the mainly Muslim Seleka force. Pope Francis opened a 'holy door'
during a mass at Bangui Cathedral, marking the beginning of a Jubilee year
dedicated to forgiveness and reconciliation which will be formally inaugurated
on December 8.
In his address, he called for "unity, urging the people
to avoid the temptation of fear of others, of the unfamiliar, of what is not
part of our ethnic group, our political views or our religious
denomination"
He also said he hoped the upcoming elections would allow the
country to peacefully begin a new chapter.
"It is my fervent wish that the
various national consultations to be held in coming weeks will enable the
country to embark serenely on a new chapter of its history" he said.
The Catholic leader will meet members of the Muslim
community today. He will also celebrate a huge mass at the city's 20,000-seat
Barhelemy Boganda Stadium.
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