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Pope laments plight of child soldiers in Congo fighting

Posted February 19, 2017 6:00 am

The Associated Press

VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Francis has expressed dismay about clashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo he described as "violent and brutal."

In remarks to the faithful in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, Francis singled out for concern the "many children torn from families and schools to be used as soldiers" in the fighting.

The pope spoke days after the United Nations voiced grave concern about reports of more than 100 people killed in recent clashes between Congolese soldiers and fighters.

The vast Central African country is home to multiple militias vying for control of rich mineral deposits, and human rights groups have long expressed alarm over alleged abuses by the military in the fight against them.

Francis says he is praying for the victims as well as for religious and humanitarian personnel.

Pope Francis delivers his message from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square during his Angelus prayer, at the Vatican, Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) The Associated Press

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