Pope prays for peace in Ethiopia, victims of flooding in Africa

By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis called on political leaders “to put an end to the suffering of the defenceless population” in Ethiopia, and “to find equitable solutions for a lasting peace throughout the country.”

The Tigray region of Ethiopia has been racked with violence since war broke out almost two years ago. Earlier this month, the UN expressed grave concerns over a surge in violence beginning in August, after a five-month humanitarian truce.

Pope Francis on Sunday said he is following the confict in Ethiopia with “trepidation,” and repeated “with heartfelt concern that violence does not resolve disagreements, but only increases the tragic consequences.”

He expressed his hope that the efforts of the various parties in the conflict “for dialogue and the pursuit of the common good” might “lead to a concrete path of reconciliation.”

The Holy Father concluded his prayer with the hope that “our prayers, our solidarity, and the necessary human aid not fail our Ethiopian brothers and sisters, who are so sorely tried.”

Prayers for flood victims

An aerial view shows the aftermath of the flooded landscape of Yenagoa, the capital town of Bayelsa, Nigeria

Pope Francis also expressed his distress at floods that have caused “death and destruction” in many countries in Africa. “I pray for the victims and am close to the millions of displaced persons,” the Pope said, “and I wish for a greater common effort to prevent these calamities.”

A new report from the UN World Food Program says that above-average rainfall and devastating flooding have affected five million people this year in 19 countries across west and central Africa.