Vatican has called for renewed dialogue in the Central African Republic as well as for more effective action to protect civilians of all religious groups. His Excellency Archbishop Paul Gallagher highlighted the great concern of the Holy See about the intensification of conflict in the CAR, during a meeting at the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. His Grace Archbishop Paul praised the role of the UN stabilization mission which is working to bring peace to the capital, Bangui.
As reported by Vatican Radio, His Excellency Archbishop Paul remarked that “Women and children are the most vulnerable victims of the conflict and I appeal to UN peacekeepers to defend their dignity, to guarantee their freedom of movement and to protect them from armed aggression or abuse.” Further, His Grace added, “Sincere dialogue between all the political parties in the country is must and peace also requires the disarmament and integration of former combatants, justice for the victims of crimes and the safe return of refugees, both Christian and Muslim”
At the end, His Excellency Archbishop Paul ensured sincere commitment of Catholic Churches to foster peace amid the conflict and will seek what unites, while rejecting that which causes division or contention.
