Pope calls for an end to violent clashes in Central African Republic
Pope Francis has prayed for the end of conflict between Christian and Muslim militias in the Central African Republic.
Last week clashes between the two warring sides intensified in the eastern town of Bria on May 20, which led to the deaths of innocent civilians and caused thousands to flee.
UN peacekeepers have reinforced Bria along with two other towns, Bangassou and Alindao, after 22 people, including 17 civilians, were killed and 10,000 people were forced to flee.
“I pray for the dead and wounded and renew my appeal that the weapons be silenced and that the goodwill of dialogue would prevail to give the country peace and development,” the Pope said.
He added that the violent clashes will “threaten the peace process”.
Catholics protest death penalty in the Philippines
Church leaders in the Philippines are calling for people to put more pressure on the government to block the death penalty.
Catholic priests and nuns are determined to block the re-introduction of capital punishment in the country as it contradicts the Church’s teachings, with a demonstration held last Sunday in the capital.
Organisers have said the protest is not aimed against Rodrigo Duterte, the current president, who has taken a hard line against drug dealers, but instead hope to highlight the issue with senators.