Vatican City, 3 April 2014 (VIS) –
National reconciliation and the role the Church may play in this task
twenty years after the genocide that devastated the nation were the
central themes of Pope Francis' address to the bishops of the
Conference of Catholic Bishops of Rwanda at the end of their
five-yearly “ad limina” visit.
The Holy Father acknowledges the
suffering of the Rwandan people and the many wounds that must still
be healed, and joined in heartfelt mourning with the population,
assuring the bishops of his prayers for “your ecclesial
communities, often torn; for all the victims and their families, and
for all the Rwandan people, regardless of their religion, ethnic
origin or political views”.
Two decades after the tragic events of
1994, “reconciliation and the healing of wounds remain without
doubt the priority of the Church in Rwanda”, the Pope writes. “The
forgiveness of sins and genuine reconciliation, that might seem
impossible from a human point of view after so much suffering, are
however a gift it is possible to receive from Christ, thanks to faith
and prayer, even though the road is long and requires patience,
mutual respect and dialogue. The Church therefore has a place in the
reconstruction of a reconciled Rwandan society; with all the strength
of your faith and Christian hope, go ahead with vigour, giving
constant witness to the truth. ... It is therefore important that the
Church speaks with one voice, overcoming prejudices and ethnic
divisions, manifesting her unity and communion with the universal
Church and with the Successor of Peter”.
In this context of national
reconciliation, it is also necessary to strengthen relations of trust
between the Church and the State, and the fiftieth anniversary of the
initiation of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Rwanda
offers the opportunity to recall the benefits this has brought
throughout the country. “A constructive and genuine dialogue with
the authorities can only encourage concerted work of reconcilation
and the reconstruction of society based on the values of human
dignity, justice and peace. Be an 'outreach' Church, able to take
initiatives and build trust”.
Pope Francis highlights the
indispensable contribution of the Church to the common good, above
all in the sectors of education and healthcare. In relation to the
latter, there are many people who dedicate themselves to the victims
of the war, those who are wounded “in body and soul”, especially
widows and orphans, as well as the sick and elderly. The Pope also
emphasises that the education of the young “is the key to the
future of a country where the population is renewed rapidly” and
“therefore, it is the duty of the Church to educate children and
young people in the values of the Gospel which … will be, for them,
a compass to show them the way. It is necessary for them to learn to
be active and generous members of society, as the future is in their
hands”.
In the task of evangelisation and
reconstruction, laypeople “play a pivotal role” and their work in
society will be credible to the extent that they are “competent and
honest”. The Holy Father urges the bishops to pay attention to
their formation and reminded them, at the same time, to dedicate all
the care possible to the pastoral care of Rwandan families, many of
which have been “torn apart and recomposed”. He also mentions
priests, to whom he expresses his gratitude, as “their burden is
heavy and they are still few in number”.
The Pope concludes his address,
commending Rwanda to the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary. “It
is my ardent hope that the Shrine of Kibeho may radiate the love of
Mary for her children, especially for the poorest and most injured,
and that it may be for the Church in Rwanda, and beyond, a call to
turn with trust to 'Our Lady of Sorrows' so that she might accompany
all on their path and obtain for them the gift of reconciliation and
peace”.