Pope: The world should get involved and stop the war in Uganda and the Darfur

Castelgandolfo (AsiaNews) – The Pope appealed to the international community, national governments, and international organisations to get involved and stop the war in Uganda and Sudan. In such countries children are too often forced to "become soldiers."

"During these days of leisure and rest," John Paul II said, "my thoughts are with those regions of the world where life is endured under appalling conditions. Today I wish to draw your attention to the tragic events that for a long time have affected some countries in our beloved Africa."

Under rainy skies, the Pontiff told the 2,000 pilgrims gathered in the courtyard of the Papal residence in Castelgandolfo that "for over 18 years northern Uganda has been devastated by a brutal conflict touching millions of people, especially children. Gripped by fear many of the children feel they must "become soldiers." I ask the international community and national political leaders to do something to bring this tragic conflict to an end and give the people of Uganda some real hope for peace."

Appearing recharged by his summer holiday, the Holy Father went on to talk about "his concern for the situation of the dear population of the Darfur region in western Sudan, on the border with Chad. Here, war has intensified bringing its heavy toll in terms of poverty, desperation, and death. Twenty years of tough fighting have left the country with countless dead, displaced people and refugees. How can anyone be indifferent to their plight? I appeal in earnest to the leaders of nations and international organisations lest they forget our brothers and sisters so cruelly tested."

John Paul II concluded the Angelus prayer by drawing attention to his role and that of Christians "in facing these emergencies. In Uganda bishops are generously working for national reconciliation and lending a hand to those in need with the help of volunteer organisations and dioceses from around the world. I recently dispatched to the Darfur the president of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum," Msgr. Paul Josef Cordes, to express the spiritual and material solidarity of the Universal Church to its suffering people. After visiting the refugee camps in the region, Monsignor Cordes should be back in the Vatican to report on the situation."

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