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05 MAY 2017 – Christians of Africa, witnesses for peace
When we look at Africa, we see much more than its great natural richness.[1]
We see its joie de vivre, and above all, we see grounds for hope in Africa’s rich intellectual, cultural and religious heritage.[2]
But we cannot fail to see the fratricidal wars decimating peoples and destroying these natural and cultural resources. [3]
Let us join with our brothers and sisters of this great continent, and pray together that Christians in Africa, in imitation of the Merciful Jesus, may give prophetic witness to reconciliation, justice, and peace.[4]
[1] Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Africa of the Holy Father John Paul II, paragraph 42.
[2] Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Africae Munus of His Holiness Pope Benedict Xvi, paragraph 9.
[3] Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Africa of the Holy Father John Paul II, paragraph 117.
[4] Universal Prayer Intention of the Holy Father entrusted to the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer). May 2017.