Pope Benedict Appeals for Sri Lankan Displaced

Pope Benedict made an appeal on Wednesday for the many thousands of people who are still displaced six months after the end of the conflict in Sri Lanka between government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels who were fighting for a separate homeland.

The Holy Father said “We note with satisfaction the efforts of those authorities which, in recent weeks, have been facilitating the safe return of displaced persons from war.

I strongly encourage an acceleration of that commitment and I urge all citizens to strive for a peace with full respect for human rights, and for a just political solution to the challenges still facing the country.

I hope, the Pope added that the international community will work for the humanitarian and economic needs of Sri Lanka, and I offer my prayers to the Holy Virgin of Madhu, that she will continue to watch over this beloved land”.

- Asian Tribune -