Pope condemns attacks in Burkina Faso
On Sunday, terrorists attacked churches and mosques in Burkina Faso, West Africa, leaving many dead. In response, the Pope sent a message saying, “Hatred is not a solution to conflict.” On Sunday, a Roman Catholic church in Essakane, near the border with Mali, was attacked during a service, killing at least 15 people. On the same day, dozens of people were reportedly shot and killed at a mosque in Ouagadougou province in the center of the country. Details of the two attacks, including the motive, have not been reported, but BBC News reports that more than a third of Burkina Faso is currently under rebel control. In a telegram sent to the country's bishops, the Pope said he was praying for the victims and called on them to “fight violence to promote the values ​​of peace,” according to Vatican News.
Bleach found in chalice, mafia suspected
Reports this week showed that a Saturday afternoon mass in Calabria was halted after an attempt was made to poison a priest. Organized crime groups are suspected. During mass in Cessaniti, southern Italy, Father Felice Palamara noticed a foul odor emanating from a chalice that had just consecrated water and wine, and the service was stopped. Laboratory tests confirmed that the chalice contained bleach. No group has claimed responsibility for the poisoning attempt, but Palamara told the Corriere della Sera newspaper that his parishioners should not be held responsible. The priest has been an outspoken critic of the 'Ndrangheta organized crime network, which has a growing influence in the region, and his car has previously been set on fire in what was believed to be an act of intimidation.