Pope Leo XIV yesterday called for the immediate release of hostages taken in a deadly massacre in Haiti and appealed to authorities to protect the population from violence. Source: National Catholic Register.
Speaking after the Angelus in Castel Gandolfo, the Pope said he had received “tragic reports” from Haiti about a massacre by an armed gang in the village of Kenscoff.
The August 23 massacre at Kenscoff, located outside the capital of Port-au-Prince, left more than 47 dead, with at least 50 kidnapped.
“Tragic reports are emerging from Haiti of the horrific massacre carried out in Kenscoff, in which numerous people have lost their lives and others taken hostage,” Pope Leo said.
“I express my spiritual closeness to the victims and their families, and call for the immediate release of all hostages.”
“I make a heartfelt appeal to all those in positions of authority to take concrete steps in order to ensure the safety of the population and put an end to all forms of violence,” he added.
The Pope also renewed his prayers for those affected by flooding in Nepal and Tibet.
“Let us pray for those who have lost their lives, for the injured, those missing, for the families and rescue workers,” he said. “May the concern of everyone help to alleviate the suffering and provide the necessary aid to the people affected.”
Pope Leo then broadened his appeal, urging Christians to continue praying for peace and recalling the words of St Augustine, whose feast the Church celebrated on Saturday.
“Let us continue to pray for peace,” he said. “Saint Augustine, whose feast we celebrated a few days ago, said that peace ‘is like the miraculous bread multiplied in the hands of the disciples as they broke it and distributed it’.”
“May there be an increase in the world of those who courageously break and share the bread of peace, overcoming divisions, promoting justice and practicing forgiveness for the good of all,” the Pope said.
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Pope Leo XIV Appeals for Release of Haiti Hostages, Prays for Flood Victims in Nepal And Tibet (By Marco Mancini, National Catholic Register)
