In a note published in Port-au-Prince on November 15, 2024, the day of the memory of Saint Albert the Great, bishop, doctor of the Church, the Catholic bishops of Haiti sounded the alarm on the situation in the country to ask for Peace and the unity of the Nation.

Excerpts from the note of the Conference of Haiti Bishops :

[...] We, Catholic bishops of Haiti, feel very concerned about the political situation and the serious security problems that are ravaging the country [...] Once again, we raise our voices to demand Peace and the unity of the Nation.

Our prophetic mission as bishops obliges us to denounce these acts of violence that are destroying the country and sowing endless suffering. These acts cause the death of many innocent people and many people are forced to leave their homes [...] In these dark days, many of our brothers and sisters live in great fear, they have lost their fundamental rights, such as the right to security, the right to life and freedom of movement. Even planes are not spared. Toussaint Louverture airport is closed and this isolates us from all other countries. The capital is blocked, schools are closed, activities are paralyzed. There is no real life in the country.

No one can accept such a situation.

[...] Violence can neither bring solution nor salvation to the people. We cannot hope to find Peace by sowing violence. Peace is a gift from God, but it requires the efforts of all those who have good will to build a society [...]

[...] We invite everyone, those who govern the country, members of civil society and all actors who have responsibilities in this crisis, whether or not they have weapons in their hands, to recognize that this situation must not remain as it is. It is important that we find the best way to govern the country and resolve this problem of incessant violence. The future of the people is at stake [...]

[...] We encourage the Christian faithful not to let themselves be overcome by despair. Faith in God must inspire us to work together to build a future where justice reigns, where the life of each person is respected and protected.

Our condolences go to all the families who mourn the loss of a person in these events. With all the people of God, we pray for the recovery of those who are hospitalized, that God will give much courage to those who are on the street or who are taking refuge with a good neighbor. We wish courage to all those who suffer physically and mentally.

Let's keep our hope in God, pray without ceasing and be in solidarity with one another. May God be gracious to us, may he bless us! Let him protect Haiti that we all love !"

HL/ HaitiLibre