Pope Francis referred to the situation in Mozambique and urged its citizens not to lose faith in the path of democracy, justice and peace.

"The news coming out of Mozambique is worrying. I invite everyone to dialog, tolerance and the tireless search for just solutions. Let us pray for the entire Mozambican population, so that the current situation does not cause them to lose faith in the path of democracy, justice and peace," said the leader of the Catholic Church in his Angelus message delivered this Sunday (10) at the Vatican.

On the occasion, Francis also mentioned and prayed for the victims of the natural disasters in Indonesia and Spain.

According to a VOAThe Pope's message comes at a time of great post-election tension in Mozambique, with daily clashes between the police and demonstrators who continue to call for the return of the popular vote because they believe that Frelimo, the ruling party, did not win the presidential and legislative elections on October 9, as announced by the National Electoral Commission (CNE).

On Friday, November 8, the Catholic Bishops of South Africa, Botswana and eSwatini (SACBC) sent a letter to the members of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM) expressing "solidarity and prayers with the people of God" following the post-election unrest.

A few days earlier, the CEM spokesman issued a strong appeal for peace, tolerance and respect for life to all compatriots.

"At this moment of tension, when many are preparing to express their concerns, as pastors we feel the urgency of addressing each one of you with an appeal for peace, tolerance and respect for life," Archbishop João Carlos Hatoa Nunes of Maputo said in a video.

(Photo DR)