Pope Francis has prayed for Nigerians and thousands of lives across the world who were shattered by violence and war in 2023.
The Vatican News reports that Pope Francis after the Angelus prayer on Sunday, December 31, 2023, appealed to those who, according to him, have a “stake” in armed conflicts to “listen to the voice of their conscience”.
The Pope was quoted as saying, “At the end of the year, let us have the courage to ask ourselves: “How many lives have been shattered by armed conflict? How many deaths? And how much destruction, how much suffering… how much poverty!”
The cleric made the appeal following his sad reflection on 2023, which was blighted by violence, death, destruction and displacement.
Pope Francis recalled the sad Christmas celebration in Nigeria’s Plateau State where over 140 people were killed and scores more injured on Christmas Eve in communal violence.
The cleric made the appeal following his sad reflection on 2023, which was blighted by violence, death, destruction and displacement.
“Let us #PrayTogether for the victims of the severe violence in Nigeria’s Plateau State,” the Pope said in a tweet on Sunday.
“May God free Nigeria from these horrors!”
Pope Fancis also called for prayers “for those who lost their lives in the explosion of a tanker truck in Liberia.”
Nigerians have condemned the various attacks, especially Plateau’s, that left over 112 citizens dead and scores injured.
The United Nations, France and the United States of America have also condemned the attacks, charging authorities to bring its perpetrators to book.
Amnesty International condemned Christmas Eve attacks in Plateau State communities, berating Mr Tinubu for brazenly failing to protect communities in the state and Nigeria at large.
The human rights organisation called on Mr Tinubu’s government to go beyond empty verbal condemnation and investigate thoroughly, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
