Pope appeals for halt to DR Congo violence

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis on Sunday deplored a surge of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the victims of which he said included many Christians who had been killed for their faith.

“Painful news continues to arrive of clashes and massacres in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” the 87-year-old pontiff said at the end of Sunday Angelus prayer.

“I appeal to the national authorities and international communities to do everything possible to stop the violence and safeguard the lives of civilians.”