Pope Francis is strongly condemning the “unjustifiable” assassination of an Ecuadorian presidential candidate
FILE – Pope Francis reads his speech through the common viewers within the Paul VI corridor on the Vatican, on, Aug. 9, 2023. Pope Francis on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, strongly condemned the “unjustifiable” assassination of an Ecuadorian presidential candidate and urged all Ecuadorans to work collectively for peace. The Argentine pope despatched a telegram of condolence following the brazen assassination of Fernando Villavicencio at a political rally Wednesday night time. (AP Photograph/Gregorio Borgia)
The Related Press
ROME — Pope Francis on Saturday strongly condemned the “unjustifiable” assassination of an Ecuadorian presidential candidate and urged all Ecuadorians to work collectively for peace.
Historical past’s first Latin American pope despatched a telegram of condolence following the brazen assassination of Fernando Villavicencio at a political rally Wednesday within the capital Quito. The killing of a determine whose life work was combating crime and corruption has centered international consideration on Ecuador’s wave of violent deaths and the nation’s vulnerability to crime.
The Argentine Jesuit pope, who visited Ecuador in 2015 in one of many first journeys of his hold forth, stated he was praying for Villavicencio’s household and all Ecuador’s individuals.
“Likewise, within the face of the struggling attributable to unjustifiable violence, which he condemns with all his forces, His Holiness calls on all residents and political forces to hitch in a typical effort in favor of peace,” stated the telegram, which was signed by the Vatican secretary of state.
Ecuador has detained six Colombian males in reference to the slaying.