Angelus: Pope Francis appeals for peace in Nicaragua, Mali and Nigeria

After Sunday's Angelus prayer yesterday in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis called for a peaceful solution to Nicaragua's socio-political crisis. He told the crowd that "since 27 February, Nicaragua has been holding important talks to resolve the serious socio-political crisis in which the country finds itself". The Pope said he was praying for the initiative and encouraged the parties involved "to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible for the good of all".

The papal nuncio in Nicaragua, Waldemar Sommertag, has been involved in the mediation process. Demonstrations began a year ago over cuts to pension benefits but spread into general protests against the government of President Daniel Ortega. Opposition activists and Ortega's government started talks at the end of February for the first time since the summer of 2018. Nicaragua's government said last week it would release hundreds of opposition protesters within 90 days as part of the process.

Pope Francis also asked for prayers for the numerous victims of "brutal violence" in Mali and Nigeria. At least 134 Fulani herders were attacked and killed by gunmen in central Mali on Saturday. Up to 71 people were killed and 28 injured in a Fulani militia attack on 11 March in Dogon Noma village, Kaduna State. The attacks represent the deadliest in recent times in a region reeling from worsening ethnic and jihadist violence. "May the Lord receive the victims, heal the injured, bring consolation to the families and convert cruel hearts" said Pope Francis.

The Pope also recalled the Day in Memory of Missionary Martyrs, which is marked on 24 March. "During 2018," he said, "many bishops, priests, nuns and lay faithful around the world suffered violence, while 40 missionaries were killed: almost twice as many as the previous year". Pope Francis pointed out that it is a "duty of gratitude for the whole Church" to keep in mind this contemporary ordeal of brothers and sisters who are persecuted or killed because of their faith in Jesus.