Pope to DRC: end violence and economic colonialism

Inese Steinert – Vatican

Francis thanked the President of the country for his welcoming words and expressed his joy to be in this vast and beautiful land, this almost “continent within the continent of Africa”, which is rich in mountains, volcanoes, lakes, equatorial forest, the Congo River flowing into the ocean and much more. . But contrary to nature’s bounty, the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been less generous. The Pope mentioned the conflicts, forced migration and terrible forms of human exploitation that have marked this land so rich in diamonds. Speaking of diamonds, the Holy Father said that the Congolese people, women and men, are more precious than any treasure hidden in the depths of this land. “I am here to embrace you and remind you that you have immeasurable value, that the Church and the Pope trust you, believe in your future, the future that is in your hands and for which you deserve to invest your gifts of intelligence, wisdom and activity,” said Francis.

The Pope pointed out that peace and development are possible starting from the hearts, because with God’s help people are able to forgive, reconcile and use their talents. The Holy Father called it tragic the fact that in many places in Africa and the entire continent in general, both in the past and still, people suffer from various forms of slavery. Political colonialism has been followed by economic colonialism, which is equally enslaving. Therefore, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is being thoroughly plundered, is not able to sufficiently enjoy its enormous resources. “The poison of greed has made its diamonds bloody. It is a drama before which the most economically developed world often closes its eyes, ears and mouth,” said the Pope. He issued a call for this land and this continent to be respected and heard. “Hands off the Democratic Republic of the Congo! Hands off Africa!” Francis called. “Africa must be the forge of its own destiny!” The Pope thanked those countries and organizations that help Africa in the fight against poverty and disease, promote respect for human rights.

Returning to the image of the diamond, the guest noted that after processing it acquires many shapes and many harmonious facets. This land also has a diverse, polyhedral character. It is a wealth that the Pope called for to be carefully guarded, without falling into ethnic divisions, renouncing feelings of hatred and violence. “Dear friends, the Heavenly Father wants us to accept each other as brothers and sisters in a united family and to work for a future where we are with others, not against others,” said Francis. He mentioned the Congolese proverb “Bintu bantu”, which reminds us that the real wealth is people and good relations between them. A special role in the promotion of good relations belongs to religions, which with their heritage of wisdom are called to renounce aggressiveness, proselytism and any form of coercion that is contrary to human freedom. If religion is imposed, looking for followers even by deception and force, then the human conscience is shattered and the back is turned to God, the Pope warned.

Members of civil society also play an important role in building a future of peace and brotherhood. They have often demonstrated their ability to resist injustice and degradation, standing up for the right to education and decent living conditions for all. The Pope noted that the diamond is transparent and reflects the light it receives in a wonderful way. He also called on those entrusted with civil responsibility and state leadership to work with crystal clear transparency, perceiving the position entrusted to them as a means to serve society. Francis pointed out that power only makes sense if it becomes service. Leaders and wives are invited to promote free, transparent and credible elections, participation in peace processes, including women, youth and marginalized groups, to seek the common good and security of all people, not the personal interests or interests of any one group. The Pope called for strengthening the state’s presence in every part of the territory, taking care of the refugees and the scattered.

Addressing the state authorities, the Congolese guest also called on them not to allow themselves to be manipulated or bribed by those who want violence to continue in the country in order to take advantage of it and make shameful deals. It leads only to discredit and shame, to death and destruction. On the other hand, it will be good to get close to the people, to see how they live. People trust when they feel that those who run the country are really close, and not for calculation, but for service.

The Pope emphasized the need for education. “This is the way to the future, the way to go to achieve the complete freedom of this land and the continent of Africa,” said Francis. He called for investment in education to prepare a society that is cohesive and self-reliant. Unfortunately, many children on this continent cannot enjoy education. Many, instead of learning, are enslaved. Many die from hard work in the mines. The Holy Father called for an end to the use of child labor.

The call to protect the environment was not missed in Francis’ speech. Located in the heart of Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo is rich in evergreen trees and shrubs. Fruitful cooperation is also necessary in the field of environmental protection.

At the end of the address, the Pope noted that continuous violent attacks and insecurity could weaken the resilience and courage of the Congolese people. But in the name of Christ, who is the God of hope, the God of every possibility, who always gives the strength to start again, the Pope called on everyone to contribute to a bold and inclusive social rebirth. On his part, he promised to pray for a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous future of this great land.