Pope Francis gave the world satisfaction and practical lessons on religious tolerance and reconciliation during his visit to Bangui, the capital of the war-torn Central African Republic on November 29 to 30, 2015. The news is not only that he visited the country where fighting between the Christian-dominated Anti-balaka and the Muslim-dominated ex-Selaka rebel groups have rendered the country ungovernable with thousands of people killed and others displaced.

The Pontiff communed with Muslims in the restive PK-5 Muslim neighbourhood of Bangui that at the time was besieged by the rival Anti-balaka militia.  The practical shepherd inside the Koudoukou Mosque told the hundreds of the people that, “Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters. Together, we must say no to hatred, to revenge and to violence, particularly that violence which is perpetrated in the name of a religion or of God himself. God is peace. Salaam,” The Guardian newspaper quoted him as saying.

The climax of Pope Francis visit to Bangui came on November 30 during the mass he celebrated at the Barthelemy Boganda Stadium. Hundreds of Muslims participated in the mass. It was during the mass that the Pope delivered the message that has certainly guided the population and authorities at all levels to move towards a peaceful transition marked by the constitutional referendum and presidential and legislative elections of December 30.

He urged the belligerents to lay down their weapons and instead arm themselves “with justice, love, mercy and authentic peace.” Addressing youths in particular at a prayer vigil, he enjoined them to work for peace. Pope Francis told the youths, “Peace is not a document that is signed and then put up some place. Peace is made each day. Peace is a craft, a handiwork.”