Pope In Africa: Open The Doors Of Mercy

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BANGUI, Central African Republic (CNS) – Put down the weapons of war and work for justice, Pope Francis urged the people of the Central African Republic.

            "Even when the powers of hell are unleashed, Christians must rise to the summons, their heads held high, and be ready to brave blows in this battle over which God will have the last word. And that word will be love and peace," the pope said Nov. 29 in an evening homily at Bangui's cathedral.

            A civil war that began in 2013 and ongoing outbursts of violence, including between mainly Muslim and mainly Christian militias, have sown terror in the Central African Republic, which already was on most lists of the five poorest countries in Africa. A fifth of the country's population has fled abroad or is living in camps for displaced people.

            Explaining to people outside the Bangui cathedral that their city was, for the day, "the spiritual capital of the world," Pope Francis prayed for the mercy and grace of peace as he used both hands and his body weight to push open the Holy Door of the cathedral. The main opening of the Year of Mercy will be Dec. 8 at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

            "God is stronger than all else," the pope said. "This conviction gives the believer serenity, courage and the strength to persevere in good amid the greatest hardships.

            "To all those who make unjust use of the weapons of this world,” he added, “I make this appeal: Lay down these instruments of death! Arm yourselves instead with righteousness, with love and mercy….”