Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Foto de capa: Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil
Rio de Janeiro (Agenzia Fides) – The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Brazil have expressed, in a statement sent to Fides, their profound solidarity and sorrow for the recent tragic episodes of violence in Rio de Janeiro, particularly the massacre that took place in the Penha and Alemão complexes on Tuesday, October 28.“In this Missionary Month, which concludes today and in which we have been invited to be ‘missionaries of Hope among the peoples,’ our prayers go out to the families who have seen their loved ones murdered. The pain of each loss is the pain of the entire Church, which walks alongside those who suffer and mourn,” writes Sister Regina da Costa Pedro, National Director of the PMS of Brazil. The nun continued: “We cannot remain silent in the face of the repeated violence that continues to claim victims. Human life is inviolable, and the State has the primary duty to protect, not to kill. At the same time, we express our total opposition to all forms of violence, whether it stems from drug trafficking or the actions of militias. All power that imposes itself through death and fear is contrary to the message of the Gospel and to the dignity of the human person.”In the statement, the Brazilian Pontifical Mission Societies express their desire for true and lasting peace in the communities and favelas, achieved not through weapons, but through the protection and effective exercise of fundamental rights. Investing in education, health, housing, and civic programs becomes a priority to reduce the profound racial and class inequality that disproportionately affects the poorest young people in the peripheries. “It is necessary to transform communities not only into places of survival, but into spaces of full citizenship, where life can flourish with dignity and security. May hope, the heart of our mission, be an invitation to peace for all men and women of goodwill, so that together we can build a country where life, in all its fullness, is the supreme value. As Pope Francis reminded us: ‘Do not let anyone take away your hope,’” concludes Sister Regina da Costa Pedro. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 31/10/2025)
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