Pope arrives in war-torn nation to help
CAR welcomes pontiff amid bloody violence
BANGUI: Pope Francis arrived yesterday in the conflict-torn Central African Republic, brushing aside security concerns to bring a message of peace and reconciliation to a country where violence between Christian and Muslim militants has forced nearly one million from their homes over the past two years and divided the capital city.
Schoolgirls i n yellow and white dresses — the colours of the Holy See flag — joined government and church authorities to welcome Pope Francis at the heavily secured Bangui airport.
The pope’s Alitalia charter landed just beyond the settlement for displaced residents that has cropped up on the airport’s edge, housing some of the people displaced by the violence.
As Pope Francis emerged, a huge cheer broke out from the small crowd and the cheers continued along his motorcade route into town, where he was welcomed by Interim President Catherine Samba-Panza and the diplomatic corps.
The precarious security situation in Bangui, the capital, raised the possibility in recent weeks that the pope could cancel his visit.
Less than a year ago, mobs beat Muslims to death in the streets, even decapitating and dismembering some. While sectarian clashes have left at least 100 people dead over the past two months, in recent days Bangui has been relatively calm.
Many hope that the pope’s message of peace and reconciliation can encourage longer-term stability in this nation of 4.8 million people. As part of his trip, the pope plans to visit a camp for displaced people where Christians have sought refuge. He also will venture into the capital’s Muslim enclave, known as PK5, to meet with community leaders and the uprooted.
Ms Samba-Panza told reporters on Saturday that the pope is being welcomed as a “peace messenger”.
“Many Central Africans hope that the messages he will deliver will inspire a national mobilisation and realisation that Central Africans learn to accept each other again, learn to live together again and learn to go toward peace and reconstruction of their country,’’ she said.
That’s a message Pope Francis was expected to bring to a Mass and vigil service yesterday at Bangui’s cathedral.
Pope Francis will also hear confessions, underscoring his message of the need for forgiveness and mercy.