Pope Francis welcomed at the Vatican a delegation of the Afghan community in Rome. With them he discussed various issues, starting with ending religious extremism.
POPE FRANCIS
We must end the use of religion to incite hatred, violence, extremism and blind fundamentalism and stop using the name of God to justify acts of murder, exile, terrorism and oppression.
These were the words in the document that the Pope signed with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in 2019.
They also discussed the problem of ethnic discrimination on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan and the need to promote dialogue to resolve tensions.
The meeting took place before the Wednesday General Audience in the Paul VI Hall. At the Audience, the Pope also referenced the discussion of the meeting.
POPE FRANCIS
Let us unite our efforts and prayers for the elimination of ethnic discrimination in regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Especially discrimination against women.
In Rome, the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan was followed closely and with concern. The Vatican helped arrange the rescue of some Christian families who were living in hiding because of the persecution. Later, the Pope was able to meet with them.
JRB
TR: AT
