Abidjan, 19 July, 2021 / 7:36 pm (ACI Africa).
The Cardinal in Ivory Coast has, on the occasion of his 50th anniversary in the Priesthood, cautioned politicians in the West African nation against internal quarrels and instead become part of initiatives toward national reconciliation.
Addressing members of the ruling party and the opposition who participated in the thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration Saturday, July 17, Jean Pierre Cardinal Kutwa said, “Don't waste time in useless disputes, which only leads to destruction.”
“The time is right for reconciliation, the time is right for peace, the time is right for all the sons and daughters of Ivory Coast to come together,” the Local Ordinary of Abidjan added.
Still addressing himself to political actors in the West African nation, the Ivorian Cardinal said, “When I see you sitting, members of the government of Ivory Coast, when I see the men of the opposition in the person of President Laurent Gbagbo, I say thank you and great thanks to the Lord! Why? Because you are not enemies, but political opponents.”
“You are each looking for the well-being of the country,” he further told politicians in Ivory Coast during Holy Mass to celebrate his Golden Jubilee of Priesthood at St. Paul’s Cathedral of Abidjan Archdiocese.