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Pope Francis has called for greater international efforts to address the escalating violence in Haiti, urging the global community not to forget the suffering of the Haitian people. His appeal comes amid growing concerns about the security situation in the country, where armed groups have gained control over large portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Speaking after the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, the pope addressed the crowd of about 20,000 gathered outside the Vatican Apostolic Palace. “Let us never forget our Haitian brothers and sisters,” the pontiff said, stressing the need for ongoing international commitment to peace and reconciliation in Haiti. He called for prayers to end the violence and emphasized the importance of defending the dignity and rights of all Haitians.
The plea from Pope Francis follows alarming reports on Haiti’s deteriorating security situation. According to the Vatican News, over 3,600 people were killed in the first half of 2024, a sharp increase compared to the same period last year. Armed groups now control approximately 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Children are particularly vulnerable, with many reportedly being recruited by criminal gangs. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates that 2.7 million people, including 500,000 children, are currently living under gang control, facing the constant threat of violence.
The pope’s statement comes as international and local security forces continue efforts to counter the influence of these armed groups, though progress has been slow. Pope Francis reiterated the need for a global response to support Haiti, calling for a collaborative approach to restore peace and stability in the region.
