Pope denounces 'atrocities' in Somalia
August 25, 2010
Pope Benedict XVI decried the “violent atrocities” taking place in Somalia, during his regular weekly audience on August 25.
Speaking to people gathered in the courtyard of his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope said that he was thinking about the reports of massacres in Mogadishu, the capital of the troubled African nation. The people there, he said, are the victims of “hate and instability.”
“I hope, with the help of the international community, there will be a concerted effort to restore respect for life and human rights," the Pope said.
Somalia has lacked an effective national government since the early 1990s. After years of fighting between rival warlords, a transitional national government has been established, but that government is struggling to assert effective control. This week’s battles pit that government, backed by forces of the African Union, against Islamic insurgents allied with Al Qaida that are hoping to expand their influence.
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Further information:
- Pope Benedict and the Constant Search for the Truth (Vatican Radio)
- Pope decries Somali 'atrocities' (AFP)
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