Pope expresses concern over death toll, violence in Bolivia

Published: 2003-10-15

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II said he was worried about the increasing toll of dead and wounded in Bolivia, where anti-government protests have left more than 50 people killed. "I am deeply concerned over the news coming from Bolivia, where a grave crisis has caused deaths and injuries," the pope said at the end of his general audience at the Vatican Oct. 15. "I want to express my spiritual solidarity with all those who are suffering and invite everyone to ask the Lord to inspire all sides to favor civil dialogue and to search for fair and legal solutions to the problems that afflict the country," he said. Protests over the economic situation have increased in recent weeks in Bolivia, especially after the government announced a plan to export natural gas to the United States.

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