Concerned by the situation in Haiti, where criminal gangs have been causing chaos for several days, Pope Francis called for work toward peace and reconciliation.
Pope Francis “follows with concern and pain” the situation in Haiti, where criminal gangs have been causing chaos for several days, calling for people to work for peace and reconciliation. “I follow with concern and pain the serious crisis affecting Haiti and the violent episodes of recent days,” declared the sovereign pontiff, aged 87, after the Angelus prayer. “I am close to the Church and to the dear Haitian people who have suffered so much for years,” he added. He then called on all parties to work towards peace and reconciliation, “with the renewed support of the international community.”
362,000 people currently displaced
The criminal gangs, who control most of the capital as well as the roads leading to the rest of the territory, have been attacking police stations, prisons and courts for several days, in the absence of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, whose release they are demanding. resignation just like part of the population. According to the latest news, he is stranded in the American territory of Puerto Rico after a trip abroad.
The Haitian government has declared a state of emergency in the West department which includes the capital Port-au-Prince, as well as a nighttime curfew, difficult to enforce by already overwhelmed law enforcement officials. According to the IOM, 362,000 people – more than half of whom are children – are currently displaced in Haiti, a figure which has jumped 15% since the start of the year.