Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: Pope Francis has called for an end to violence in Peru, where about fifty people have been killed during anti-government protests in the past few weeks.
In his weekly address in St. Peter’s Square, the pope said that violence should be ended, regardless of where it comes and there should be no more deaths.
He said that violence always distinguishes the hope of a better solution to problems, US media reported.
Protests have erupted in Peru since President Pedro Castillo was ousted in December 2022 after attempting to disband the legislature to prevent an impeachment vote.
Protests erupted again on Friday, injuring dozens of people, as demonstrators clashed with police and security forces in Lima and used tear gas to repel protestors who were throwing stones and glass bottles, as fires burned in the streets.
Pope stresses for dialogue
Pope Francis stressed all sides to opt for dialogue among brothers of the same nation, in full respect of rule of law and human rights.
The protests, which until this week had been concentrated in the southern part of Peru, have prompted the government to widen a state of emergency to 6 regions, curtailing some civil rights.
