Religious Leaders Must Unite Against Terrorism, Says Apostolic Nuncio

COLOMBO (News 1st); Brian Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio and the Ambassador of the Holy See to Sri Lanka, delivered a poignant message at the commemoration of the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks of 2019, emphasizing the need for unity, justice, and forgiveness.

"We are once again gathered at this symbolic place to commemorate the victims of the unfortunate Easter Sunday attacks of 2019. Their memories are still fresh, and I bring to the families of the victims, those who survived the trauma, and all those who are grieving the message of consolation of the Holy Father, Pope Francis," Udaigwe stated. "Jesus prayed from the cross, imploring the Father to forgive those who had persecuted him and later killed him, while the Church prays and encourages justice to take its rightful course in the investigations. It also forgives the culprits and implores for the repentance of those still harboring similar malice."

Udaigwe referenced Pope Francis' famous encyclical letter on fraternity and social friendship, Fratelli Tutti, highlighting the importance of forgiveness in breaking the cycle of destruction and revenge. "Those who truly forgive choose not to yield to the same destructive force that caused them so much suffering. They halt the advance of the forces of destruction and revenge."

He praised the efforts of those who have worked diligently to avoid vendetta after the attacks and continue to labor for justice. "The Holy See has always upheld that terrorism can only be countered by more cohesive measures at the international level. As terror knows no border, the international community as a whole must strive to deny terrorists the conditions that enable them to operate, recruit new adherents, finance their activities, and coordinate their attacks."

Udaigwe stressed the importance of holding those who support violent extremism accountable before a court of law and pursuing all violations of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity committed by terror groups. He also emphasized the role of education in preventing terrorism, noting that the Catholic Church educates around 50 million primary and secondary school children worldwide, and millions more at the tertiary level.

"In performing this service, Catholic educational institutions strengthen societies by forming responsible and peace-loving citizens. Happily, such Catholic services exist in different parts of this beloved country, Sri Lanka."

Udaigwe called on the four major religions practiced in Sri Lanka to remain united in service to the common good and contribute to the safety and development of society. He urged religious leaders to refute and denounce ideologies of terror purportedly inspired by religious injunctions or texts.