Pope calls for end to violence in video message to Colombia's bishops

Published: 2008-07-02

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI joined Colombia's bishops in their call for an end to the violence, kidnappings and extortion plaguing the country. "I fervently pray to God that these situations which have caused so much suffering end as soon as possible and that a stable and just peace may reign in Colombia in an atmosphere of hope and well-being," he said in a video message to Colombia's bishops. The video message, played July 1, was sent to the bishops attending the 85th plenary assembly of the Colombian bishops' conference in Bogota, Colombia. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which began four decades ago by defending landless peasants but has become notorious for kidnapping and drug trafficking, has been fighting to overthrow Colombia's elected governments.

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