Pope condemns ‘barbaric’ attack on displaced people in drc

On 5 February, in a telegram signed by Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, addressed to the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, Pope Francis expressed his condolences for the recent terrorist attack against “Plaine Savo” refugee camp in Ituri, in the territory of Djugu, some 90 km from Bunia. “The Holy Father once again strongly condemns this heinous and barbaric act which is a source of great suffering and desolation for the country”, the telegram reads. Expressing his “dismay” over the attack in which more than 40 people were injured and at least 60 people, mostly women and children, were killed, Pope Francis implored “divine gifts of healing and consolation for the wounded and the bereaved” as well as “courage and strength to the grieving families” and “to those who are helping to rescue ...