APPEAL FOR PEACE IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Vatican City, 30 September 2012 (VIS) - "I follow with affection and concern the affairs of the people in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who are currently the subject of a high-level meeting at the United Nations. I remain especially close to the refugees, the women and the children who suffer violence and profound hardship because of the persistent armed clashes. I pray to God that peaceful means may be found to open dialogue and protect the innocent, that peace based on justice may return as swiftly as possible; and that the fraternal coexistence of those sorely-tried peoples may be restored, there and throughout the region".

Subsequently, speaking in French, he spoke of the reopening of universities after the summer break, encouraging professors and educators "in their exalted mission to serve young people". He expressed the hope that they would transmit to their students "the pleasure of learning in order to find a job and occupy a place in society. Universities can be places where people experience fraternity. They are places in which God must not be absent. I invite adults always to educate the young in mutual respect, concern for others and the search for God".