Ethiopia: Pope Francis calls to pray for Tigray affected by famine

The Sovereign Pontiff wanted to raise awareness of the gravity of the humanitarian crisis in Tigray.

(illustrative image) © REUTERS

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3 min

The humanitarian crisis in Tigray raises the concern of Pope Francis.

In front of the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square this Sunday, June 13, the Sovereign Pontiff called for an end to the violence in the region and that civilians be spared from famine.

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With our correspondent in Rome,

Eric Sénanque

Six months ago, when Ethiopian troops went to war in Tigray, Pope Francis had already expressed his concern at the escalation in the region.

This Sunday, it is in the face of the gravity of the humanitarian crisis that the Sovereign Pontiff wanted to challenge the conscience. 

“ 

I am particularly close to the people of the Tigray region in Ethiopia, which suffers from a serious humanitarian crisis which exposes the poorest to famine… There is famine today, there is hunger there. down!

Pray for the violence to end immediately, for food and health care to be guaranteed for all, and for social harmony to be restored as soon as possible.

 "

I am particularly close to the people of Tigray, Ethiopia, affected by a serious humanitarian crisis.

#PrayTogether for the violence to end, for food and health care to be guaranteed to all and for social harmony to be restored as quickly as possible.

- Pope Francis (@Pontifex_fr) June 13, 2021

According to UN humanitarian agencies, 350,000 people are in a famine situation in Tigray and 30,000 children are threatened with death if emergency food aid is not provided. 

Without naming them, the Pope thanked all the humanitarian actors on the ground who come to the aid of civilian populations.

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  • Vatican

  • Pope Francis

  • Ethiopia