Pope Appeals for Peace in Chad

(06 Feb 08 - RV) Pope Benedict made an appeal for Chad this Wednesday urging that the weapons of violence be put down and the path of dialogue and reconciliation be taken.

Rebels stormed into central African country's capital N’DJamena at the weekend before withdrawing.

But The Fighting left a trail of destruction in it’s wake and aid agencies have been trying to deal with a looming humanitarian crisis.


The Holy Father said he was very near to the people of Chad in these dark days, who are tormented by painful internal fighting, which has caused numerous deaths and the displacement of thousands of civilians in the capital.

The Pope also asked people to offer their prayers and solidarity to those that are suffering , asking that they be spared from further violence and are given the needed humanitarian assistance.


Pope Benedict made the appeal during his weekly General Audience were he also marked the beginning of Lent.

Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of our annual Lenten journey of prayer and penance. In the early Church, Lent was the time when catechumens prepared for Baptism, accompanied by the prayers of the whole Christian community.


Speaking to the crowds of faithful in the Paul the VI Hall, the Holy Father continued by saying that it is only God alone who can satisfy our deepest longing at the Lent is a spiritual renewal.

Today, too, the Lenten season is a privileged moment of conversion and spiritual renewal for the whole Church. The rite of the imposition of ashes is a summons to return to God and, in doing so, to discover authentic freedom and joy. Jesus reminds us that only by “losing” our life will we truly “find” it. Our ultimate fulfilment is found in God alone, who satisfies our deepest longings. By taking up our cross and following the Lord, we experience redemption, inner peace and loving solidarity with our brothers and sisters.

The Pope then returned to the theme of alms giving during lent which had been a prevalent part of his Lenten message.


During Lent, in addition to prayer and fasting, the Church invites us to practice almsgiving as an expression of our desire to imitate Christ’s own self-giving and his generous concern for others. As we set out once again on this journey of spiritual renewal, may Mary, Mother of the Church, guide us to a fruitful celebration of Easter.


Towards the end of his Audience the Holy father greeted all the English speaking pilgrims present including participants in the Graduate School of the Bossey Ecumenical Institute based in Switzerland offering them his prayerful encouragement. In conclusion, invoked his apostolic blessing upon the gathered faithful.