Pope Benedict XVI yesterday prayed
for the return of peace in Mali and harmony in Nigeria, where, he said savage
acts of terrorism continue to reap victims, particularly among Christians. This
intercessory prayer by the Supreme Pontiff came on the heels of heightened
tensions over alleged plots by terrorists to launch fresh attacks in Kano State
on Christmas Day.
Security operatives in the area had
raised the alarm of insidious plots by suspected terrorist groups to bath the
city with blood during the yuletide. A high sense of foreboding prevailed in
other states of the North, following attacks on worshippers that resulted to
scores of deaths. Major roads in Bauchi State were reportedly barricaded to
avert danger. Delivering the Vatican’s traditional Christmas Day message from
the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the 85-year-old Pontiff wished
Christmas peace to the world, decrying the slaughter of the defenseless in
Syria and urging Israelis and Palestinians to find the courage to negotiate.
The Pope read his Christmas message
and then holiday greetings in 65 languages. In his ‘Urbi et Orbi’ speech, which
traditionally reviewed world events and global challenges, Benedict prayed that
“peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a
conflict that does not spare even the defenseless and reaps innocent victims.”
called for easier access to help
refugees and for “dialogue in the pursuit of a political solution to the
conflict.” He prayed that God “grant Israelis and Palestinians courage to end
long years of conflict and division, and to embark resolutely on the path to
negotiation.”
Sun
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