Pope Concerned about Violence in Ethiopia, Prays for Victims of Explosion in Sierra Leone

He emphasized the need for dialogue in the place of the protracted violent conflict, and called for prayers for the people of God in Ethiopia who are “extremely hard pressed.”

The Pope has, in previous occasions, raised concerns about the violence in Ethiopia. 

In November last year, the Holy Father made an appeal to conflicting parties in Ethiopia to stop the violence and safeguard lives in November last year.

On June 13, the Pontiff offered his prayers for people of God in Ethiopia and said the humanitarian crisis in the country could expose poor families to famine.

Pope Francis also prayed for victims and families of the November 5 oil tanker explosion in Sierra Leone at the end of the Angelus Sunday, November 7. 

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He offered prayers for the people of God in the West African nation after an oil tanker collided with a lorry and exploded saying, “I secure my prayer after the explosion of a petroleum tanker in Sierra Leone,” the Holy Father said. 

Credit: Fr. Peter Konteh

The vehicles reportedly exploded when the tanker was entering a nearby filling station to discharge its fuel.

The Sierra Leone government has declared three days of national mourning following the incident that has reportedly led to the loss of at least 101 lives. 

Credit: Fr. Peter Konteh

Most of the victims were motorcyclists and street vendors as well as those who tried to fetch the leaking fuel before it ignited.

In his message, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and called on the people of God in the West African nation to learn from the incident. 

Credit: Fr. Peter Konteh

“As we mourn our loss together, let us be resolute and we will come out of this stronger than ever and ensure that this never happens again,” President Bio said.

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.