The Pope
ventured into one of the world's most dangerous neighbourhoods to beg Christians and Muslims to end the three year clashes
between Christians and Muslims in Central African Republic over the past
three years. Under
intense security, Francis passed through a no-man's zone to enter PK5, a
district where most Muslims who have not fled the capital of the
Central African Republic have now sought refuge.
The
neighbourhood has been cut off from the rest of the capital Bangui for
the past two months by a ring of so-called anti-balaka Christian
militias, who block supplies from entering and Muslims from leaving.
The Pope and Catherine Samba
Panza were at the State House in Bangui. Pope Francis arrived as 'a
pilgrim of peace' in conflict-ridden Central African Republic, flying in
from Uganda on what will be the most dangerous destination of his
three-nation Africa tour
Francis made an impassioned appeal for an end to the
violence.
'Christians
and Muslims are brothers and sisters,' he said after a speech by Imam
Tidiani Moussa Naibi, one of the local religious leaders trying to
foster dialogue.
'Those
who claim to believe in God must also be men and women of peace,' he
said, noting that Christians, Muslims and followers of traditional
religions had lived together in peace for many years.
He
appealed for 'an end to every act which, from whatever side, disfigures
the face of God and whose ultimate aim is to defend particular
interests by any and all means.'
Pope
Francis is now on his way back to Italy after his successful two-day
visit to Central African Republic. After a final Mass at the sports
stadium in Bangui, the pope's motorcade headed to the airport where his
plane has now taken off.
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