Bishops in Latin America held a day of prayer for peace in Haiti on 22 March as the country’s political crisis deepened, leaving more than 360,000 people displaced.
A joint statement from the Episcopal Conference of Latin America (CELAM), the Latin American Confederation of Religious (CLAR) and Caritas Latin America asked Catholics around the world to “join the cry of the Haitian people so that [it] may be heard on earth and in heaven”.
They said that the Friday before Holy Week, marking “the Sorrows of Mary at the Foot of the Cross”, would be a day to pray for relief from the gang violence that has blighted the country.
“It is Mary who [is] grieving today for her son in the face of the Haitian people crucified by misery and violence,” they said, asking for prayers “that the Lord may smooth the paths, dispose the hearts, move the wills, so that our brothers and sisters may soon enjoy a full life”.
Their appeal followed a statement on 18 March, signed by Haiti’s bishops, that called on Haitians to support the “dream of a country without violence” and to “put an end to these violent acts” that “aim to reduce Haiti to rubble and ashes”.
The bishops declined to send a representative to the transitional council formed to select an interim prime minister to replace Ariel Henry, who resigned on 11 March after failing to neutralise the gangs who now control much of Port-au-Prince. However, they still voiced support for the council.
“We hope that the ongoing talks will lead to a truly inclusive and lasting patriotic agreement in the interest of all the Haitian people who aspire to peace,” their statement said.
Pax Christi International called on global community and religious leaders to help the country, saying was “deeply concerned” by the humanitarian crisis.
While diplomatic efforts continued, with representatives from the US, Canada, France, and the Caribbean meeting to discuss solutions and the UN Security Council urging the gangs to accept a ceasefire, Pax Christi called for stronger action to stem the flow of illegal weapons into Haiti, urging the US to share data on the illegal trafficking of arms in the Caribbean.
It said that “considering that one of the main targets of gang violence is the Church, we call on faith leaders worldwide to break the silence and actively and consistently engage in amplifying the efforts and voice of the Haitian bishops”.
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