Francis backs Bangsamoro accord, again

For the second time in five days, Pope Francis expressed his support for the ongoing peace process in Mindanao, which has reached the crucial stage of legislative deliberation. He ended his 10-minute speech in Malacanang, the first public statement he gave in his state and pastoral visit to the Philippines, with a specific reference to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

“In a particular way, I express my trust that the progress made in bringing peace to the south of the country will result in just solutions in accord with the nation’s founding principles and respectful of the inalienable rights of all, including the indigenous peoples and religious minorities.”

He read his remarks before an audience that included President Aquino, senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps. The product of an on-again, off-again negotiation that took many years, the Comprehensive Agreement was finally concluded last March, a year after Francis became Pope.

Last Monday in Rome, on the morning of the day he left for Sri Lanka, he addressed the diplomats accredited to the Vatican in a traditional ceremony held every year. In his extended remarks, he also mentioned the Bangsamoro peace breakthrough.

“I also note with pleasure that last March an agreement was signed to end long years of tension in the Philippines.”

Pope Francis, who was elected Bishop of Rome and thus head of the Roman Catholic Church only in March 2013, has already acquired a reputation as a risk-taking believer in the Vatican’s diplomatic prowess.

In the same passage where he spoke of peace in Mindanao, Pope Francis made special mention of a recent diplomatic initiative in which he had been personally involved. “One example close to my heart of how dialogue can build bridges comes from the recent decision of the United States of America and Cuba to end a lack of communication which has endured for more than half a century, and to initiate a rapprochement for the benefit of their respective citizens.”—JN