Hope for papal involvement in Colombia peace process

Pope Francis would like to be involved in peace talks between Colombian rebels and the Government when he visits Cuba next month, according to the president of the Colombian Bishops’ Conference, writes Isabel de Bertodano.

Archbishop Luis Augusto Castro was responding to speculation that Francis would meet with leaders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), who are involved in peace talks in Havana aimed at ending more than 50 years of armed conflict.
The archbishop emphasised that there was no meeting planned during Francis’ 19-22 September visit to Cuba.

“That doesn’t mean we don’t want him to be involved in the peace process; he wants to be involved but we must look at the matter, and organise it properly so that it’s not just symbolic but helpful. That’s why I say that there has not yet been any decision,” he said.