Millions of Yemeni people can’t afford food, water, medicines and other basic essentials, and are now reliant on the support of international organisations like Trócaire.
The theme of the visit is “Make me a channel of your peace”, which reflects the urgent need in the region to pursue peaceful coexistence.
In his traditional Christmas day Urbi et Orbi message, the Pontiff prayed that Syrians might “find fraternity after long years of war” and that Yemen’s recent truce would bring relief to its people and children “exhausted by war and famine”.
Ongoing conflict sees Yemen suffering the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.
Globally, 124 million people are suffering from acute hunger and, in some cases, starvation – an increase from 80 million two years ago.
We Christians believe and know that Christ’s resurrection is the true hope of the world, the hope that does not disappoint.
“May beloved Syria at last recover respect for the dignity of every person through a shared commitment to rebuild the fabric of society, without regard for ethnic and religious membership.”
Salesian Fr Tom Uzhunnalil was abducted on 4 March 2016 in Aden, Yemen. The militants responsible attacked the Missionaries of Charity home in the city, leaving 16 people dead, including four nuns.
Over half a million suspected cholera cases and twenty million people in need of aid in beleaguered state.
The plight of Patrick, himself a migrant, has been faced by many Irish people who have struggled to live and integrate into new cultures.
“We believe that by helping to resettle the most vulnerable, we are living out our Christian faith and ‘welcoming the stranger’ as Jesus has challenged us to do.”
Fourteen priests, nine religious women, one seminarian and four lay people died violently during 2016.
“Over the past few weeks and months we have witnessed an unprecedented polarisation of attitudes on immigration and refugees, culminating in a dramatic and repugnant rise in race hate crime since the referendum.”
Salesian Fr Tom Uzhunnalil was taken captive on 4 March during the course of a terror attack on a home for the elderly in Yemen.
Primate of All Ireland to celebrate Mass in Armagh this evening for Blessed Teresa and for her four Sisters killed with 12 co-workers in Yemen on 4 March.
Gunmen kill four Sisters and twelve people working in care home run by the Missionaries of Charity in Yemen. Concern for missing Indian Salesian priest.
Church leaders pray "That peace and justice will be restored in Yemen."
