MILF says Moros welcome Pope, too

COTABATO CITY—Moro rebels awaiting a new Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao declared they were one in welcoming Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic world, to the Philippines, Asia’s predominantly Catholic country.

In a radio interview, the chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said MILF knew that the Pope’s visit “is significant and meaningful.”

Murad Ebrahim, MILF chair, said in October that he sent a letter to the Pope, “appreciating his visit and hoping he will send us his words of wisdom and encouragement for the peace that we all strive for, not only for Muslims but for the entire population.”

“We welcome very much the coming of the Pope,” he said.

Ebrahim said he hoped Francis would mention the Mindanao peace process in his speech or homily. Edwin O. Fernandez, Inquirer Mindanao