POPE Francis has called on Christians to show solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, especially women and children, the victims of violent attacks in recent days.
“Let us continue to assist those in need”, he said following the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, “and pray that dialogue and solidarity may lead to peaceful and fraternal coexistence.”
“I am following the situation in Afghanistan with great concern,” Pope Francis said on Sunday, adding, “I share in the suffering of those who mourn for the people who lost their lives in the suicide attacks last Thursday, and of those who are seeking help and protection.”
Almost 200 people were killed in the suicide bombing at Kabul’s airport last week, and thousands of people are still waiting desperately to flee to the country as the Taliban takes control of the war-torn nation.
Islamic State’s local affiliate, ISIS-K, claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing.
The Unite States has retaliated with a target drone strike.
A US drone hit two ISIS-K “planners and facilitators” who were travelling in a car near the eastern city of Jalalabad, according to US military officials.
Pope Francis commended the souls of those killed in the Kabul airport bombing “to the mercy of Almighty God.”
At the same time, he thanked those who are working to help the “sorely tried population” of Afghanistan, especially women and children.
“I ask everyone to continue to assist those in need,” the Pope said, “and to pray that dialogue and solidarity may lead to the establishment of peaceful and fraternal coexistence, and offer hope for the future of the country.” Pope Francis insisted that “in historical moments like this we cannot remained indifferent,” and for Christians it is a duty to respond.
For this reason, he said, “I appeal to everyone to intensify prayer and practise fasting: prayer and fasting, prayer and penance. Now is the time to do it.”
Adding emphasis to his appeal, Pope Francis continued, “I’m serious: Intensify prayer and practice fasting, asking the Lord for mercy and forgiveness.”
