Pope's opening of Jubilee in Bangui a sign of hope
(AGI) Vatican City, Dec. 2 - Pope Francis opened the Jubilee inBangui to demonstrate faith and hope, as the Central AfricanRepublic is going through hard times of conflicts andsuffering. "This is why I wanted to open the first Holy Door inBangui, one week in advance over the Jubilee of Mercy, as asign of faith and hope for that community of people and,symbolically, for all the peoples of Africa needing redemptionand solace," said the Pope during the general audience onWednesday, devoted to his recent apostolic journey to Africa.The Pope reminded his audience
(AGI) Vatican City, Dec. 2 - Pope Francis opened the Jubilee inBangui to demonstrate faith and hope, as the Central AfricanRepublic is going through hard times of conflicts andsuffering. "This is why I wanted to open the first Holy Door inBangui, one week in advance over the Jubilee of Mercy, as asign of faith and hope for that community of people and,symbolically, for all the peoples of Africa needing redemptionand solace," said the Pope during the general audience onWednesday, devoted to his recent apostolic journey to Africa.The Pope reminded his audience of the call of Jesus to hisdisciples: 'Let us cross to the other side of the lake',sounded like a motto for Central Africa. 'Crossing to the otherside of the lake', in a civil sense, means leaving behind wars,divisions, and misery, and opting for peace, reconciliation anddevelopment. Yet, this, implies a passage which takes place inthe conscience, in the attitudes and intentions of people. Hereis where the contribution of religious communities becomesimportant. And that is why I have joined with the Evangelicaland Muslim communities, sharing prayers and a commitment forpeace." (AGI). .