Cablegate: Pope Calls for Reconciliation in Sudan and Greater

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS VATICAN 000548

SIPDIS

DEPT PLS PASS EUR/WE (LARREA), AF/E, DRL (KELLY)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PREF SU VT
SUBJECT: POPE CALLS FOR RECONCILIATION IN SUDAN AND GREATER
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN DARFUR

1. Pope Benedict XVI issued an appeal for national
reconciliation in Sudan during an audience November 28 with
Khartoum's Cardinal Archbishop, Gabriel Zubeir Wako. After
greeting the cardinal's delegation, the Pontiff made the
following statement:

Begin text

The cessation of the civil war and the enactment of a new
Constitution have brought hope to the long suffering people of
Sudan. While there have been setbacks along the path of
reconciliation, not least the tragic death of John Garang, there
now exists an unprecedented opportunity and indeed duty for the
Church to contribute significantly to the process of forgiveness
and national reconciliation. Though a minority, Catholics have
much to offer through inter-religious dialogue as well as the
provision of greatly needed social services. I encourage you
therefore to take the necessary initiatives to realize Christ's
healing presence in these ways.

The horror of events unfolding in Darfur, to which my beloved
predecessor Pope John Paul II referred on many occasions, points
to the need for a stronger international resolve to ensure
security and basic human rights. Today, I add my voice to the
cry of the suffering and assure you that the Holy See, together
with the Apostolic Nuncio in Khartoum, will continue to do
everything possible to end the cycle of violence and misery.

End text.
SANDROLINI

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2005VATICA00548 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

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