Late bishop sought to bring peace to Colombia
August 31, 2010
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A Colombian bishop who sought to bring peace to his conflict-ravaged nation died of cancer on August 25 at the age of 69.
Bishop Jaime Prieto Amaya of Cúcuta “was dedicated to bringing peace to his country,” said Lesley-Anne Knight, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis. “Right up until the final months of his life he worked hard for justice on behalf of the poorest and most vulnerable people in Colombia.”
The prelate, who was threatened with death for his work, invited all sides in the conflict to lay down their arms. Some four million Colombians have had to flee their homes since the conflict, which pits leftist guerillas against right-wing paramilitary organizations, began in 1964.
87% of the nation’s 47.2 million people are Catholic, according to Vatican statistics.
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Further information:
- Caritas Colombia President Bishop Prieto dedicated life to peace (Caritas)
- Sentido adiós para monseñor Jaime Prieto Amaya (RCN)
- Terminally ill Colombian bishop discusses science, faith and hope (CNA)
- Colombia comes to Norway (Caritas)
- "Development is above all dignity for the people" (Colombia Support Network)
- Colombian armed conflict (1964–present) (Wikipedia)
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