France: may the acts of violence cease

“In these sorrowful hours for your country and for the Lebanese people, I wish on behalf of the French bishops to confirm our fraternal affection and our solidarity”. So begins the message that Cardinal Jean Pierre Ricard, archbishop of Bordeaux and president of the French Bishops’ Conference, has sent to the patriarchs and bishops of the Catholic communities in Lebanon. “We pray – writes Cardinal Ricard – that the acts of violence against innocent populations may cease, acts that tend to paralyse the country and to destroy its economy, hampering the long term development and well being of all its citizens, who have an inalienable right to live in peace in their land”. “We ask the Lord – adds Ricard – to assist your communities so that they bear witness of fidelity in their trials and be a source of peace and brotherhood among the faithful of all religions”.