Pope urges DRC to Mark 50th Anniversary with 'Fresh Start'
(29 Apr 10 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday called on the Democratic Republic of
the Congo to make a fresh start as the nation marks its 50th anniversary
of its independence.
The Pope was
speaking to the new Ambassador from the Congo to the Holy See, Jean-Pierre Hamuli
Mupenda, who is the first resident ambassador to the Holy See from the Democratic
Republic of the Congo in a number of years.
Pope Benedict told him his arrival
reflects the desire of strengthening the relations between the two states.
The
Central African country, after throwing off the dictatorship of Joseph Mobutu in 1997,
entered into a period of civil wars and violence it still has not entirely escaped.
About
half of the country is Catholic, and Pope Benedict said the Church will continue to
contribute to the gradual rebuilding of the the social fabric which has been so badly
wounded by the ongoing conflict in the country.
He said the country must
encourage and strengthen the family, and work for an integrated Congolese education,
which can help the work for justice and peace.
Speaking of the violence so
prevalent in the country, the Holy Father said he was particularly concerned about
the effect on women and children, whose dignity has been trampled on by the excessive
violation of their rights.
Pope Benedict called on the Congo to use all
political means to end the human suffering in the country.
He said the Catholic
Church will continue to contribute to this task, including with its institutions dedicated
to education and healthcare.