Pope, at Angelus address, appeals for peace in Kenya, Colombia, Iraq

Published: 2008-02-04

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI appealed for "a rapid solution" to the violence unfolding in Kenya, an end to extortion and kidnappings in Colombia, and the seemingly endless "wickedness" carried out in Iraq. During his weekly Angelus address Feb. 3, the pope urged the thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square to join him in praying for "reconciliation, justice and peace" in Kenya. He said he hoped talks under way would "be successful and lead -- thanks to the good will and cooperation of everyone -- to a rapid solution of the conflict that has already caused too many victims." More than 800 people have died and more than 250,000 have been forced from their homes since a Dec. 27 presidential election that international observers claimed was rigged. Pope Benedict also expressed his concern for the people of Iraq, who have been so "harshly tested." Nearly 100 people were killed and up to 200 wounded Feb. 1 when two mentally disabled women reportedly were used as suicide bombers at two crowded outdoor markets in Iraq.

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