Sudanese's Visit Might Signal Hope for Darfur

VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 11, 2007 (Zenit.org).- A meeting between Benedict XVI and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir scheduled for this Friday has an international aid organization hoping for progress toward peace in Darfur.

Caritas Internationalis says that this week's meeting represents a golden opportunity to address the continuing humanitarian disaster in Darfur continues.

"Caritas and its partners are witnesses to the appalling suffering of the people of Darfur," Caritas Internationalis Secretary-General Lesley Anne Knight said. "We know that only through a sustainable peace process and an end to violence committed by all sides can that suffering cease.

"The meeting between the Pope and the president of Sudan can be a step forward for the people of Sudan, and particularly of Darfur. It is an important opportunity for engagement and for the humanitarian crisis to be addressed."

ZE07091139 - 2007-09-11