Daniel Comboni
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The Holy Door to Bangui, “a gesture of mercy”
Monday, November 2, 2015
“It is a historic event, especially for our country, which needs mercy and reconciliation”, said to MISNA Father Joseph Tanga-Koti, secretary general of the Episcopal Conference of the Central African Republic, in commenting the announcement made yesterday during the Angelus by Pope Francis. The Pontiff expressed his will to open the first Holy Door of the imminent Jubilee of Mercy in Bangui, during his visit from 29 to 30 November. During the Angelus, after expressing “closeness of the entire Church to this afflicted and tormented nation and to exhort all Central Africans to increasingly be witnesses of mercy and reconciliation”, with mention of the Comboni missionaries of the Our Lady of Fatima parish in the capital that “assist numerous displaced”, Pope Francis in fact continued: “On Sunday November 29, I plan to open the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Bangui, during the apostolic visit I hope to carry out in that nation”.
“A strong gesture”, said Fr. Tanga-Koti, explaining that for the first time the opening of the door, which normally takes place in the Vatican Basilica of St. Peter's, will take place in Africa. “The Pope will in this way will recognize the situation here in the Central African Republic, where for many, who don't hesitate to kill men, women and even children, life has lost all value”, continued the secretary general of the Bishops Conference. “He will show us that we cannot remain in this state of barbarianism, but look ahead, and that without God and his mercy we will not find our way back along the path of reconciliation”.
In response to those who interpreted the word “hope” used by the Pope as a possible delay of his trip, the priest said with certainty: “No one in the Church or the government expects any delay or annulment of the visit. The arrival of the Pope will bring light and shed light on our situation, supporting the process of reconciliation”. A hope shared in the country, where clashes between rival militias continue: at least 6 people were killed in the capital between Thursday and Friday in attacks by the various armed groups. The Pontiff yesterday expressed “serious concern” over the situation.
[MISNA: DM/BO]