Vatican asks the OAS to collaborate with Haiti in the face of its dramatic situation

The Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the Organization of American States (OAS), Mons. Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano, expressed that Pope Francis “closely follows the dramatic situation that Haiti is experiencing” and wishes for greater commitment from the international community to peace in the Caribbean country, during his intervention in the ordinary session of the regional forum this November 13.

The objective of the meeting was to decide whether to support a draft resolution in support of the request that Haiti made to the United Nations (UN) for the establishment of “a peacekeeping operation” in the country. The project was finally approved.

Haiti has been involved in an uncontrollable spiral of violence for several months, unleashed by armed criminal groups that operate with impunity in the territory. Priests, nuns and other figures of the Catholic Church in Haiti have not been exempt from the consequences of this unfortunate situation.

In Haiti, Bishop Cruz denounced, “violence continues against the population, who are forced to flee their homes seeking safety in other places, inside and outside the country. Let us never forget our Haitian brothers.”

Furthermore, the Vatican diplomat conveyed the Pope’s request that “all forms of violence cease and, with the commitment of the international community, work continues to build peace and reconciliation in the country, always defending the rights and dignity of all”.

“In this sense, the Holy See appreciates that the adopted document invites – among other issues – the international community to a broader commitment in favor of Haiti, with special emphasis on the construction of peace, democratic governance, political stability and sustainable development,” stressed Bishop Cruz.

Bishop Cruz reiterated, on behalf of the Holy See, “his closeness to the Haitian people” and highlighted the work that the Haitian dioceses and various Catholic institutions – such as Cáritas Internationales and Aid to the Church in Need – carry out in favor of the most vulnerable in the Caribbean country.

The resolution was approved by acclamation of the member countries. The document recognizes the need to “address the root causes of conflicts, which must be faced in a coherent, well-planned, coordinated and exhaustive manner, using political, social and development instruments.”