Pope voices 'great apprehension' over Ivory Coast and Libya

Pope Benedict

Following today's general audience, the Pope said that he continued to "follow with great apprehension the dramatic events that the populations of the Ivory Coast and Libya are experiencing in these days."

He added: "Furthermore, I hope that Cardinal Turkson, whom I have commissioned to visit the Ivory Coast to demonstrate my solidarity, may soon be able to enter the country.

"I pray for the victims and express my closeness to all those who are suffering at this time. Violence and hate are always defeat! I therefore make a renewed and heartfelt appeal to all parties to the cause to initiate a process of peacemaking and dialogue, and to avoid further bloodshed".

Source: VIS