Monitoring Desk
KINSHASA: Pope Francis criticized “brutal atrocities” committed in eastern DR Congo after hearing heart-wrenching accounts of violence from the turbulent region during Wednesday’s second day of his trip to the conflict-torn country.
At the Apostolic Nunciature in Kinshasa, Pope Francis listened as four victims of violence recounted stories of mutilation and rape.
Emelda M’karhungulu, a victim, told Pope Francis that militants had held her hostage as a sex slave for three months and was forced her to eat human flesh.
Pope Francis liestened to victims
One woman also raised her mutilated arms up before the pontiff, who looked at her with a grave expression before delivering an address.
Pope Francis arrived in DR Congo on Tuesday, a profoundly observant nation of some 100 million people.
Since 1985, it is the first time that a pope has visited DR Congo, whose troubled east has been tormented by militia violence for decades.
After the testimony of the victims, Francis condemned the “inhumane violence” and called for mercy from God.
“May God convert the hearts of those who carry out brutal atrocities, which disgrace all humanity,” the 86-year-old said.
