Pope appeals for immediate end to ethnic violence in Kenya

Published: 2008-01-07

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI appealed for an immediate end to ethnic violence in Kenya and called on political leaders to resolve the conflict there through "dialogue and democratic debate." "Violence is futile as a means of resolving problems; it only exacerbates them and leads to unprecedented suffering," said a telegram sent Jan. 5 in the pope's name to Cardinal John Njue of Nairobi, president of the Kenya Episcopal Conference. The telegram, signed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, said the pope has followed the recent flare-up of violence in Kenya with deep sorrow and concern. He is praying for a speedy end to this "great tragedy," it said. "The pope is close in spirit to all the victims of this violence: the many persons who have lost their lives, often atrociously, the grieving members of their families, the wounded, those who are dispossessed or had to abandon their homes, and all those who are threatened and living in fear," the telegram said.

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