Pope Francis pleas for peace at mosque in besieged Central African Republic

For months it had been separated by a no-man’s land from the rest of the Central African Republic’s bitterly divided capital city, its perimeter guarded by armed Christian militia fighters and its remaining Muslim residents too frightened to venture forth.

Lewis Mudge, Africa researcher for Human Rights Watch, described it as “an extraordinary moment”, sending a message that respect for both Muslims and Christians was the key to ending the conflict.

Thousands of people gathered at the roadside, cheering as his popemobile drove down the red dirt roads.

Landlocked Central African Republic descended into bloodshed after longtime Christian leader Francois Bozize was ousted by rebels from the mainly Muslim Seleka force in March 2013.

When Francis arrived at the city’s Koudoukou central mosque, a group of community leaders and schoolchildren were waiting for him.

“We are all brothers, Christians and Muslims”, said Pope Francis, meeting at the Central mosque of Bangui with the Muslim community, to say “no to hatred, to vengeance and violence, especially that committed in the name of a religion or God”.

“Together, we must say no to hatred, to revenge and to violence, particularly that violence which is perpetrated in the name of a religion or of God himself”.

Sometimes it appears, “to use a strong word, that the situation is borderline suicide”, he said.

Referring to the conflict, Pope Francis said the fighting factions in auto should lay down their weapons and arm themselves “with justice, love, mercy and authentic peace”.

Several hundred people packed into the mosque, including a number of people actually living there after being forced out of their homes by the violence.

“We thought the whole world had abandoned us, but not him”.

“The violence that has plagued this country has had a devastating impact on the lives of children”, said UNICEF’s Representative in the Central African Republic, Mohamed Fall adding that to meet the overwhelming humanitarian needs, access and greater worldwide support are essential.

The mosque was under high-level protection during Pope Francis’ visit, with armed United Nations peacekeepers positioned on the minarets and a helicopter overhead.

The pope discussed global warming and other issues during an hour-long press conference aboard the papal plane following his six-day trip to Africa. The once vibrant markets of PK5 have now been largely closed and many Muslim-owned businesses stand in ruins. In extraordinary scenes just before the pope’s arrival, two pickup trucks pulled up in the middle of the crowd and a group of Muslims from PK5 leapt out, all wearing T-shirts bearing the pope’s image, an AFP correspondent said.

Believers packed into the 20,000 seats or onto the football pitch, dancing and singing.

On Sunday, the 78-year-old pontiff opened a “holy door” during a mass at Bangui Cathedral, marking the beginning of a Jubilee Year dedicated to forgiveness and reconciliation.