Pope calls for prayer for Burkina Faso, Haiti

By Christopher Wells

“Let us not forget the peoples who are suffering on account of war,” Pope Francis said at the conclusion of the weekly General Audience, noting especially the people of Ukraine and of Palestine and Israel, but also “so many others” afflicted by violence around the world.

The Pope went on to call for prayers for victims of recent terror attacks in Burkina Faso. On Sunday, fifteen worshipers were killed in an attack on a church in the northern part of the country, while a second attack on a mosque in the east left “dozens” of people dead.

Hatred is not the solution to conflict

In a telegram sent on Monday, the Pope expressed the “deep affliction” he felt on hearing of the attacks, and assured members of the Catholic and Muslim communities of his closeness and his shared pain. He prayed for the repose of those who were killed in attacks and healing for those who were injured.”

“Recalling that hate is not the solution for conflicts,” the Pope went on to urge “respect for sacred places” and called for “a fight against violence” aimed at “the promotion of the values of peace.”

Criminal violence in Haiti

Pope Francis on Wednesday also called for prayers for the people of Haiti, “where crimes and kidnappings by armed gangs continue.”

According to a UN report, more than 1000 people were killed, injured, or kidnapped in Haiti in January, making it the bloodiest month for the Caribbean nation in almost two years.

Just last week, six religious brothers and a priest were kidnapped in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. In January, six religious sisters were kidnapped and subsequently released.

‘We’ve had enough!’

Haiti’s bishops have pleaded for an end to the violence and bloodshed, and called on the authorities “to immediately put an end to the suffering” of the Haitian people.

“Enough blood and tears have been shed by murders, kidnappings, and rapes committed over the past three years,” the Bishops wrote in February, adding “We’ve had enough!”

Increased violence in recent months has been linked to Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s decision to remain in power despite an earlier agreement to hold elections in February 2024. In their statement, the Bishops urged Henry to step down “for the good of the entire nation.”