Pope calls for end to killing in Sudan and Uganda

CASTELGANDOLFO, Italy – Pope John Paul yesterday urged the international community to help put a stop to the bloody conflicts in Sudan and Uganda that have claimed thousands of lives and turned children into soldiers.

“The war (in Sudan’s Darfur region), which has intensified in these months, has brought more poverty, desperation and death,” the Pontiff told pilgrims gathered at his summer residence at Castelgandolfo, south of Rome. “How can we remain indifferent? I appeal again to the authorities responsible and to international organisations so that they don’t forget these, our sorely tested brothers.”The United Nations estimates at least 30 000 people have been killed and 1,5 million made homeless in the western Darfur region.John Paul also raised the alarm over the long-running conflict in Uganda, which has left some 1,6 million homeless and countless others dead and maimed.- Nampa-Reuters”How can we remain indifferent? I appeal again to the authorities responsible and to international organisations so that they don’t forget these, our sorely tested brothers.”The United Nations estimates at least 30 000 people have been killed and 1,5 million made homeless in the western Darfur region.John Paul also raised the alarm over the long-running conflict in Uganda, which has left some 1,6 million homeless and countless others dead and maimed.- Nampa-Reuters