Pope in Kenya: fear, mistrust and despair feed violence and terrorism
Nairobi (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis addressed the President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta and other dignitaries during the welcome ceremony this afternoon at the State House in Nairobi.
"Experience shows,” the pontiff said, “that violence, conflict and terrorism feed on fear, mistrust, and the despair born of poverty and frustration;” hence, “the pursuit of the common good must be a primary goal.”
In a young country like Kenya, marked by strong social inequalities and recently hit by terrorist violence that claimed the lives of 142 Christian students in April, Pope Francis spoke about “building a sound democratic order, strengthening cohesion and integration, tolerance and respect for others”.
After the formal welcome ceremony, which included anthems, military honours, and a 21-gun salute, the pope entered the presidential palace for a private talk with Mr Kenyatta. A meeting with the president’s family followed.
When he was in the State House garden, Francis met with Kenyan dignitaries, the diplomatic corps and representatives of the country’s political, economic and cultural life. In his address, he spoke to them about building democracy and protecting creation, stressing that ““We have a responsibility to pass on the beauty of nature in its integrity to future generations,” and “invest in them” as well as “show genuine concern for the needs of the poor”.
“Kenya,” the pope noted, “is a young and vibrant nation, a richly diverse society which plays a significant role in the region. In many ways, your experience of shaping a democracy is one shared by many other African nations. Like Kenya, they too are working to build, on the solid foundations of mutual respect, dialogue and cooperation, a multi-ethnic society, which is truly harmonious, just and inclusive.
“Yours too is a nation of young people. In these days, I look forward to meeting many of them, speaking with them, and encouraging their hopes and aspirations for the future. The young are any nation’s most valuable resource. To protect them, to invest in them and to offer them a helping hand, is the best way we can ensure a future worthy of the wisdom and spiritual values dear to their elders, values which are the very heart and soul of a people.
“Kenya has been blessed not only with immense beauty, in its mountains, rivers and lakes, its forests, savannahs and semi-deserts, but also by an abundance of natural resources. The Kenyan people have a strong appreciation of these God-given treasures and are known for a culture of conservation which does you honour. The grave environmental crisis facing our world demands an ever greater sensitivity to the relationship between human beings and nature. We have a responsibility to pass on the beauty of nature in its integrity to future generations, and an obligation to exercise a just stewardship of the gifts we have received. These values are deeply rooted in the African soul. In a world which continues to exploit rather than protect our common home, they must inspire the efforts of national leaders to promote responsible models of economic development.
“In effect, there is a clear link between the protection of nature and the building of a just and equitable social order. There can be no renewal of our relationship with nature, without a renewal of humanity itself (cf. Laudato Si’, 118). To the extent that our societies experience divisions, whether ethnic, religious or economic, all men and women of good will are called to work for reconciliation and peace, forgiveness and healing. In the work of building a sound democratic order, strengthening cohesion and integration, tolerance and respect for others, the pursuit of the common good must be a primary goal. Experience shows that violence, conflict and terrorism feed on fear, mistrust, and the despair born of poverty and frustration. Ultimately, the struggle against these enemies of peace and prosperity must be carried on by men and women who fearlessly believe in, and bear honest witness to, the great spiritual and political values which inspired the birth of the nation.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the advancement and preservation of these great values is entrusted in a special way to you, the leaders of your country’s political, cultural and economic life. This is a great responsibility, a true calling, in the service of the entire Kenyan people. The Gospel tells us that from those to whom much has been given, much will be demanded (Lk 12:48). In that spirit, I encourage you to work with integrity and transparency for the common good, and to foster a spirit of solidarity at every level of society. I ask you in particular to show genuine concern for the needs of the poor, the aspirations of the young, and a just distribution of the natural and human resources with which the Creator has blessed your country. I assure you of the continued efforts of the Catholic community, through its educational and charitable works, to offer its specific contribution in these areas.
“Dear friends, I am told that here in Kenya it is a tradition for young schoolchildren to plant trees for posterity. May this eloquent sign of hope in the future, and trust in the growth which God gives, sustain all of you in your efforts to cultivate a society of solidarity, justice and peace on the soil of this country and throughout the great African continent. I thank you once more for your warm welcome, and upon you and your families, and all the beloved Kenyan people, I invoke the Lord’s abundant blessings.
“Mungu abariki Kenya! God bless Kenya!”
After the ceremony, the pope travelled to the apostolic nunciature where he will spend the next two nights before flying to Uganda and Central African Republic (CAR).
With respect to the latter, in view of potential dangers and in response to the chief pilot flying the plane to Kenya who promised that he would do his utmost to make sure he got to the CAR, the pontiff said, "I want to go to the CAR. If you can’t make it, give me a parachute."
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