Pope backs talks aimed at reconciliation in Colombia

May 13, 2013

Pope Francis called for continued negotiations to bring about reconciliation after Colombia’s long struggle with rebel factions, as he met on May 13 with the country’s leader, President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon.

President Santos was in Rome for the canonization of Mother Laura Montoya, the first Colombian to be formally declared a saint. On the day after the canonization ceremony he met privately with the Pontiff.

A brief Vatican statement released after the meeting indicated that the talks had included a reference to “the undergoing process of peace,” and “the wishes that the parties involved carry on negotiations, inspired by a sincere search for the common good and for reconciliation.”

 

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Further information:

• Pope Receives President of Colombia: Continue Peace Process Negotiations (VIS)