Pope Francis calls for dialogue and forgiveness on 25th anniversary of genocide

REUTERS/Remo Casilli

The horrors of the conflict and violence as seen in Srebrenica in July of 1995 are too often present in different parts of the world, said the head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.

“We hope that they (horrors) will be replaced by the deeds of those striving to build a better future for the world, peace for future generations through dialogue, understanding and respect for others,” the pope said in his message which was read by Archbishop Luigi Pezzuto.

“His Holiness is convinced that the testimonies and coexistence of men, women and children the tradition that shaped the history of your nation will give impetus to the world to promote the common good, respect for rights and dignity for all because only on this basis can a truly lasting harmony of human communities be achieved,” said the Apostolic Nuncio to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Archbishop Luigi Pezzuto reading the message.

Pope Francis also called for the recognition of the “fundamental values of human communities” to collaborate, build, dialogue, forgive and grow; as opposed to “barbarism” and “fanatical cries of hatred.”

In the end, his Holiness wished for strength, peace and blessings for all.