Pope Francis would like to be involved in peace talks between rebel guerrillas and the Colombian Government during his visit to Cuba next month, according to the president of the Colombian Bishops’ Conference.
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 in Colombia.
The archbishop emphasised that there was no meeting planned during Francis’ visit to Cuba, which takes place from 19-22 September.
“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, 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.”
Peace talks in Cuba have been inching forwards since 2012 but back in Colombia fighting has continued on both sides. The Catholic Church has supported the negotiations but has so far not had an official presence at the talks.
Last week a Farc spokesman said the involvement of the Pope would be “something extraordinary”. “Imagine the impact of having the support of Pope Francis in this collective effort we Colombians are undertaking to achieve reconciliation after decades of confrontation,” said Iván Marquez. In May Francis told the Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos that he was “willing to assume any role necessary” to ensure the government achieves a peace accord.
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