The member of the Congregation of the Mission (CM) He adds, “The God of love has mercy on our country and its people, and we must walk with God, avoiding evil and evil, in order to live in peace and avoid problems.”
“Let us persevere in prayer, for peace and happiness are found in prayer. When we do this, we fear God and turn away from all evil,” the 73-year-old Cardinal further says.
Ethiopia’s Tigray region has been the scene of violence since 4 November 2020 when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed-led government ordered a military offensive against the authorities in the State.
The military offensive was in response to the alleged attack on Ethiopia’s largest military base located in Tigray’s capital, Mekelle, by forces loyal to the region’s government.
According to the leadership of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a UK-based human rights organization, since the war began, over 52,000 people have died, an estimated 1.7 million have been displaced internally and over 60,000 have fled the country.
The foundation has likened the situation in Tigray to a genocide and warned that the human rights situation may further deteriorate.
In his January 6 message, Cardinal Souraphiel urges the people of God in Ethiopia to “follow the example of our Lord by sharing in the suffering and sorrow of those who have suffered in war, the traumatized and those suffering from moral breakdown, the displaced and injured, and those that have lost their parents and families.”
“Christ, the light of God, is our Savior. By his birth, he has opened the gates of heaven for all people, and his dwelling place is glorious,” Cardinal Souraphiel says, and continues in reference to Jesus Christ, “He took away the sin of Adam and opened the gates of heaven for us, and His mercy is great. He came to collect and save all the people who were scattered.”
The Ethiopian Cardinal implores, “May God bless Ethiopia and protect our country. May Jesus Christ the prince of peace grant us peace.”
Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.
