Hatred is not the solution

Pope Francis expressed his grief for a “tragic terrorist attack” which occurred on Sunday, 25 February, during Holy Mass at a Catholic Church and for an attack perpetrated against a Mosque in Burkina Faso as Muslim worshippers gathered for morning prayers.

In a telegram sent on Monday, 26 February, on his behalf by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope reiterated his firm belief that “hatred is not the solution to conflicts.” In a telegram addressed to Bishop Laurent Dabiré, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Burkina Faso and Niger, the Holy Father expressed the “deep affliction” he felt on hearing of the attacks, and assured members of the Catholic and Muslim communities of his closeness and his shared pain” and that he “joins in the mourning of the families. He prayed for the repose of those who were killed in attacks and healing for those who were injured.” The Pope went on to urge “respect for sacred places” and called for “a fight against violence” aimed at “the promotion of the values of peace.” The Holy Father’s telegram concluded with the invocation of Divine Blessings for the sons and daughters of Burkina Faso, and the nation as a whole.