On Wednesday (18), the President of the Republic, Filipe Nyusi, received a message from Pope Francis, on the occasion of the World Day of Peace, which will take place on January 1st..

In his message, Pope Francis said that in the upcoming jubilee year, the World Day of Peace will be celebrated under the motto "Forgive us our trespasses, grant us your peace", arguing that, based on this motto, "we are all called to look with hope at the multiple challenges that humanity faces for its survival".

"In order to do this, it is necessary to trust in God's mercy, placing our offenses in his hands, discovering ourselves as his children and, therefore, all brothers and sisters, united on the path of peace. The faithful, in particular, are called to reflect on the value of hope in a world marked by challenges and uncertainties, and to make an interior pilgrimage in search of renewal and an encounter with God," Pope Francis said.

To mark the road to peace, the Pope recommends three actions to world leaders: the forgiveness of international debt, the abolition of the death penalty and the creation of a global fund to eliminate hunger once and for all.

Pope Francis also invited everyone to "disarm our hearts with simple gestures, such as a smile, a gesture of friendship, a fraternal gaze, sincere listening and free service", because, in his opinion, "we are all brothers and sisters on pilgrimage in the same world".

The message comes at a time when Mozambique is experiencing successive stoppages and demonstrations all over the country, which have degenerated into clashes with the police that have left more than a hundred people dead.

(Photo DR)