Pope Francis on
Monday talked about the quest for peace in the Democratic
Republic of Congo at an audience in the Vatican with the African
State's President Joseph Kabila
"During the cordial discussions, the good relations
between the Holy See and the Democratic Republic of the Congo
were evoked, with particular reference to the important
contribution of the Catholic Church in the life of the nation,
with its institutions in the educational, social and healthcare
spheres, as well as in development and the reduction of
poverty," a Vatican statement said.
"Particular attention was paid to the serious challenges
placed by the current political challenge and the recent clashes
that have occurred in the capital.
"Emphasis was placed on the importance of collaboration
between political actors and representatives of civil society
and religious communities, in favour of the common good, through
a respectful and inclusive dialogue for the stability of peace
in the country.
"Finally, the Parties focused on the persistent violence
suffered by the population in the east of the country, and on
the urgency of cooperation at national and international levels,
in order to provide the necessary assistance and to re-establish
civil co-existence.
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