VATICAN CITY, APR 21, 1999 (VIS) - During today's general audience, Pope John Paul made a plea for peace in Colombia and for the freedom of several persons kidnappped there, and called for an end to "the forgotten wars" which are being waged in several African nations.
Speaking Spanish, he said: "I have followed with attention the news concerning the fate of a group of persons who were kidnapped last April 12 as they travelled by plane from Bucaramanga to Bogota, several of whom are still being held against their will in northern Colombia. I wish to appeal strongly to the kidnappers to end their unjust action towards these persons, whose rights have been gravely violated, and to free them. In this way the process of reconciliation would be strengthened, a process to which this entire beloved nation is committed, and for whose result I constantly pray to the God of peace."
The Holy Father then stated that "beyond the continuing drama in Kosovo, today I wish to recall the many 'forgotten wars' which are bloodying Africa. From Angola to the Great Lakes, from Congo-Brazzaville to Sierra Leone, from Guinea Bissau to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from the Horn of Africa to Sudan, is a long and bitter succession of conflicts in and among States which strike, above all, innocent populations and upset the lives of Catholic communities. The news of the arrest of Bishop Augustin Misago of Gikongoro, in Rwanda, has caused sadness and grief."
May the voice of the Risen Christ, the Pope said in conclusion, "make itself heard by those who tenaciously resist welcoming His message of life! May He enlighten the blindness of those who persist in taking the tortuous paths of hatred and violence, convincing them to definitively choose a sincere and patient dialogue which leads to beneficial solutions for everyone!"
AG;PEACE;...;COLOMBIA; KOSOVO; AFRICA;VIS;19990421;Word: 320;
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