At the General Audience an appeal for Sri Lanka

Respect human rights and liberties

  Respect human rights and liberties  ING-019
13 May 2022

With his thoughts turned to “the people of Sri Lanka” and “especially the young, who in recent times have made their cries heard in the face of the challenges and the social and economic problems” of the Asian country, Pope Francis asked on 11 May that the country’s political leaders “listen to the aspirations of the people, guaranteeing the full respect of human rights and civil liberties”. He joined his voice to that of other “religious leaders in urging all sides involved to maintain a peaceful approach, without giving in to violence”. The Holy Father made this appeal from Saint Peter’s Square at the end of the General Audience, in which he continued his catechetical series on the value of old age with a reflection on the figure of Judith, a biblical heroine whom he described as an example of courage that continues to be relevant today.

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