Pope heads colombia seeking heal conflicts wounds
You're referring to Pope Francis' visit to Colombia in September 2017. Here's a summary of his trip:
Background: Colombia had been plagued by a 52-year-long civil war between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla group, which ended with a peace agreement in 2016. The conflict had left deep wounds and scars on the country, its people, and its infrastructure.
Pope Francis' visit: Pope Francis became the first pontiff to visit Colombia since Pope John Paul II in 1986. He arrived in Bogotá on September 6, 2017, and spent four days in the country. During his visit, he met with government officials, including President Juan Manuel Santos, and with representatives of the FARC and other armed groups.
Key messages: The Pope's visit was focused on promoting peace, reconciliation, and healing. He emphasized the importance of forgiveness, mercy, and the need to work together to build a more just and peaceful society. He also highlighted the role of the Catholic Church in promoting peace and reconciliation.
Key events: Some of the key events during the Pope's visit included:
- Mass in Bogotá: The Pope celebrated a Mass in the Plaza de Bolívar in Bogotá, which was attended by thousands of people.
- Meeting with FARC leaders: The Pope met with FARC leaders, including its former leader, Timoleón Jiménez, and other former combatants, to promote reconciliation and healing.
- Visit to a former conflict zone: The Pope visited the town of Villavicencio, which was once a hotbed of conflict, to show solidarity with the people who had suffered during the war.
- Meeting with victims of conflict: The Pope met with victims of the conflict, including families who had lost loved ones, to offer words of comfort and support.
Impact: The Pope's visit was seen as a significant moment in Colombia's transition to peace. It helped to promote a sense of national unity and reconciliation, and it encouraged people to work together to build a more peaceful and just society. The visit also highlighted the important role that the Catholic Church can play in promoting peace and reconciliation in conflict-affected countries.