"We must not allow that religious beliefs are misused to cause violence and war."
Pope Francis continues this Wednesday his trip to Sri Lanka. A visit that wants dedicated to inter-religious dialogue ( ).
During his first day on Tuesday in Colombo, the pontiff has already mentioned several times reconciliation and unity.
Sri Lanka was the scene of a civil war between 1983 and 2009 between the majority Buddhist Sinhalese, and the rebels of the Tamil minority of Hindu religion.
Tensions remain high between communities. As proof, the meeting organized on Tuesday around the pope. Witnesses speak of a frosty atmosphere between representatives of different faiths.
In his address, the Pope emphasized that "for too many years, men and women of this country (had) been victims of the civil war and violence." "For the sake of peace, he added, we must not allow that religious beliefs are misused to cause violence and war."
Earlier in the day, Francis paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic, Maithripala Sirisena. The former Minister was elected there a few days at the head of the country. He defeated incumbent President Mahinda Rajapakse, yet favorite ( ). Again, the pope called for national unity and reconciliation.
