March 30, 2011. Romereports. The country of Ivory Coast has seen growing violence after its leader Laurent Gbagbo refused to give up his power since losing the presidential election in November. During the general audience, Benedict XVI announced that he would send a papal envoy to the politically divided nation.
Benedict XVI
“I urgently appeal a process of constructive dialogue be undertaken as soon as possible for the common good. The dramatic opposition makes the restoration of respect and peaceful coexistence more urgent. No effort should be spared in this regard.”
The pope will send Cardinal Peter Turkson Kodwo to carry his message of peace to Ivory Coast. The cardinal is a native of the neighboring country of Ghana and is currently the president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
According to the UN refugee agency, 460 civilians have been killed and nearly 500,000 displaced from their homes in the capital of Abidjan and the western areas of the country.
“In a special way I greet all the young people present and I look forward to celebrating World Youth Day in Madrid this summer with many thousands of others from around the world”.
"I remember him in prayer with affection as I think of you all. While we journey through Lent and prepare for the feast of Easter, we come with joy to the day when we will also venerate as a saint this great pope and witness of Christ".
Benedict XVI celebrated Ash Wednesday in Rome's Basilica de Santa Sabina. During the ceremony, Cardinal Jozef Tomko from Slovakia placed the ashes on his forehead.
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Romereports. The country of Ivory Coast has seen growing violence after its leader Laurent Gbagbo refused to give up his power since losing the presidential election in November. During the general audience, Benedict XVI announced that he would send a papal envoy to the politically divided nation.
Benedict XVI
“I urgently appeal a process of constructive dialogue be undertaken as soon as possible for the common good. The dramatic opposition makes the restoration of respect and peaceful coexistence more urgent. No effort should be spared in this regard.”
The pope will send Cardinal Peter Turkson Kodwo to carry his message of peace to Ivory Coast. The cardinal is a native of the neighboring country of Ghana and is currently the president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
According to the UN refugee agency, 460 civilians have been killed and nearly 500,000 displaced from their homes in the capital of Abidjan and the western areas of the country.