Haiti's presidential election sets stage for democracy, say bishops

Published: 2006-03-15

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CNS) -- Several Haitian bishops have expressed hope that the recent presidential election sets the stage for a stable democracy and the removal of U.N. peacekeeping troops. They said the situation is still volatile in the poorest country in the Americas, and the church can play a role in dampening political passions and fostering reconciliation so that a new government can take root after several years of social and political instability. The church is present in every city and town, making it important for the rebuilding of the country's institutions, said Msgr. Andre Pierre, permanent secretary of the Haitian bishops' conference. "The church is helping the people focus on peace through meetings, preaching and radio messages," he said March 8. "It's giving direction, helping people to calm down." About 80 percent of Haiti's 8.1 million population professes Catholicism.

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