Pope brings peace message to Central African Republic

Crowds cheer at Pope Francis upon his arrival in Bangui, Central African Republic

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 1 million from their homes over the last two years and divided the capital city.
Schoolgirls in yellow and white dresses — the colors of the Holy See flag — joined government and church authorities to welcome 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 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 last two months, in recent days Bangui has been relatively free of gunfire.
Many hope that the pope’s message of peace and reconciliation can encourage longer-term stability in this nation of 4.8 million. 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.
Samba-Panza told reporters 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 mobilization and realization 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 Francis brought to a Mass and vigil service Sunday at Bangui’s cathedral. Francis also heard confessions from several young people, underscoring his message of the need for forgiveness and mercy in the country.
“It is a great joy and we are very touched that he is coming to visit,” said Merline Bambou, 24, as she left Sunday Mass wearing a two-piece dress made of traditional African fabric emblazoned with Pope Francis’ face. “For two years we have been crying. We hope the visit of people will change things for the better.” AP