On Sunday, Pope Francis pleaded with the Sri Lankan government to listen to the cries of the country’s people, who are going through the worst economic crisis in 70 years.
“I join in the grief of the people of Sri Lanka, who continue to suffer the effects of political and economic instability,” the pope said after praying the Angelus July 10.
“Together with the country’s bishops,” he said, “I renew my call for peace and implore those in authority not to ignore the cry of the poor and the needs of the people.”
From a window of the Apostolic Palace that overlooked St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis made his appeal.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the president of Sri Lanka, said on Sunday that he will resign this week following months of unrest in his nation over the poor handling of its economic matters.
Ranil Wickremesinghe, the prime minister, has also decided to step down.
During its greatest economic crisis in 70 years, Sri Lanka has ran out of foreign currency. The 22 million citizens of the nation are suffering from unchecked inflation and the government’s inability to import food, medicine, and fuel.
On July 9, when protests reached their peak after months of rallies, President Rajapaksa’s home was assaulted, and the prime minister’s home was set ablaze.
As long as the two leaders are in office, anti-government protesters intend to remain in the homes.
On July 10, opposition party representatives are expected to gather to discuss creating a new administration.
In a letter signed by 15 bishops, the president of the Catholic bishops’ conference of Sri Lanka urged decision-makers to move more quickly to find answers.
“People are stranded without the basic needs such as food, fuel and gas,” Bishop Harold Anthony Perera said.
“The political and economic crisis has made people suffer unjustly,” he said. “Those responsible for this horrendous crisis are yet to be exposed.”
“We do not see an organized mechanism and plan by the government to monitor the situation on a daily basis and come up with speedy solutions. The failure of the system has compelled the entire population to clamor for radical change,” he continued.
“We earnestly urge the government to take drastic steps to address these issues and bring about justice, equity and open the way for our children and youth to have a country to live with dignity.”
On Sunday, Pope Francis also spoke to the Libyan people, who are also dealing with major social and economic crises.
“I urge everyone to once again seek convincing solutions, with the help of the international community, through constructive dialogue and national reconciliation,” he said.
Renewing his closeness to the people of Ukraine, the pope said he prays “for all the families, especially for the victims, the wounded, the sick; I pray for the elderly and the children. May God show the way to end this foolish war.”