Pope Francis today (22) expressed his concern about the situation in Mozambique, expressing his solidarity with the people of the country.

"I always follow with attention and concern the news that arrives from Mozambique and I wish to renew my message of hope, peace and reconciliation to this dear people," he said after reciting the Angelus, which he presided over in the chapel of the Casa de Santa Marta due to flu-like symptoms.

Mozambique's Constitutional Council will announce this Monday (23) its decision on the results of the October 9 elections, including the presidential, legislative and provincial assemblies and governorships; the opposition has held several protests, considering that the process was irregular.

"I pray that dialogue and the search for the common good, sustained by faith and good will, may prevail over mistrust and discord," the Pope appealed, speaking from the Vatican.

According to a AIMThe bishops of Mozambique have written a Christmas message in which they ask that, regardless of the results to be announced on the 23rd, space should be made for "honest dialog" without the temptation of "repression or violence".

"Let's not give in to the temptation to take the path of imposition and repression or violence and destruction, because imposition and repression would lead to a forced and defeated coexistence, to violence and destruction, to a polarized and impoverished country," said Bishop Inácio Saure, president of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique, in the text sent to Agência Ecclesia.

(Photo DR)