Pope renews condemnation of terrorist attack in Kenya
April 16, 2015
Pope Francis received the bishops of Kenya in audience on April 16 and renewed his condemnation of Al-Shabaab’s recent killing of over 150 Christians at Garissa University College.
“With you, I pray for all those who have been killed by acts of terror or ethnic or tribal hostilities in Kenya as well as other areas of the continent,” the Pope said. “I think most especially of the men and women killed at Garissa University College on Good Friday. May their souls rest in peace and their loved ones be consoled, and may those who commit such brutality come to their senses and seek mercy.”
“In fidelity to the entire patrimony of the faith and moral teaching of the Church, may you strengthen your commitment to working with Christian and non-Christian leaders alike, in promoting peace and justice in your country through dialogue, fraternity and friendship,” he also stated. “In this way you will be able to offer a more unified and courageous denunciation of all violence, especially that committed in the name of God.”
In addition, the Pope expressed gratitude for the work of Catholic schools, hospitals, and other Catholic institutions in Kenya and urged the Church to take a prophetic stand against corruption and other evils.
“Without wishing to interfere in temporal affairs, the Church must insist, especially to those who are in positions of leadership and power, on those moral principles which promote the common good and the upbuilding of society as a whole,” Pope Francis said. “In the fulfilment of her apostolic mission, the Church must take a prophetic stand in defence of the poor and against all corruption and abuse of power. She must do so, in the first place, by example. Do not be afraid to be a prophetic voice! Do not be afraid to preach with conviction!”
Pope Francis also discussed the themes that are typical in his addresses to bishops who are making their quinquennial ad limina visits to Rome, including seminary formation, the spiritual paternity of bishops, consecrated life, and the family.
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Further information:
- Pope meets with Kenyan Bishops (Vatican Radio)
- Visita “ad Limina Apostolorum” dei Presuli della Conferenza Episcopale del Kenya, 16.04.2015 (Holy See Press Office)
- Garissa University College attack (Wikipedia)
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