Pope Francis tells CAR to 'arm themselves with justice'

 

Source: BBC

Pope Francis, speaking during Mass in the Central African Republic (CAR) capital Bangui, has called on fighting factions to lay down their weapons.

Instead, he said, they should arm themselves "with justice, love, mercy and authentic peace."
Earlier he said he hoped next month's polls in the CAR would open a "new chapter" for the country.
CAR has been torn apart by violence between Muslim rebels and Christian militias.
It is the pontiff's first visit to a conflict zone and the final stop on his landmark three-nation African tour.
Acting President Catherine Samba-Panza has asked him for "forgiveness" for the country's recent religious violence.

Large crowds lined the road from the airport to welcome the Pope - and people cheered and sang when he arrived at a refugee camp.

In an address at the presidential palace, he called for unity and 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 confession".
The Pope said ahead of his trip he was determined to bring a message of peace and hope to the country.
The pontiff is expected to meet Muslim leaders and visit a mosque in the city's Muslim enclave, known as PK5, on Monday.
He will then conclude his visit with a final Mass in Bangui.

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