Pope Francis has urged an end to political violence in Ecuador. He has condemned the assassination of Ecuadorean presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio and called for an end to political violence in the South American country, Reports Reuters.
Villavicencio, a former lawmaker and crusading anti-corruption journalist, was gunned down as he left a campaign event on Wednesday, less than two weeks before the 20 Aug election.
“In the face of the suffering caused by unjustifiable violence, which he condemns unreservedly, His Holiness calls upon all citizens and political forces to unite in a common effort for peace”, the Vatican said in a telegram of condolence sent to Archbishop Alfredo Jose Espinoza Mateus of Quito.
In a message to the country’s bishops, the Pope said he was “deeply concerned” about the violence and called for “dialogue and reconciliation”. “I urge all parties to put an end to the violence and to seek solutions through dialogue,” he said. “Violence only leads to more violence and suffering.” The Pope also expressed his solidarity with the people of Ecuador, saying he was praying for them.
The Pope’s message comes at a time when the situation in Ecuador is increasingly volatile. The government and the protesters have so far been unable to reach a resolution, and there is a growing risk of further violence. The Pope’s appeal for dialogue and reconciliation is a timely reminder that there is no military solution to the crisis. Only through dialogue can the people of Ecuador find a way to resolve their differences and build a better future for their country.
