AP reports the tragic development that the horrific violence gripping Ivory Coast (thanks to the refusal of Laurent Gbagbo to recognize U.N.-certified results of recent national elections showing that he lost), has degenerated to become entangled in the religious identities of Ivorians typically divided North and South. 

There are clear signs sign of a growing campaign of violence against Muslims who widely
support Alassane Ouattara, the internationally recognized winner of
November’s presidential election.

Ouattara is Muslim.  Ouattara supporters also have been beaten to death with bricks, even doused with gasoline and burned alive.

]]>according to Zenit is offering prayers for peace in Ivory Coast and is expressing closeness to the victims of violence in that country. Today in his general audience, the Pope spoke about the people of Ivory Coast “traumatized by painful internal conflicts and grave social and political tensions.”

The Holy Father announced that he is sending Cardinal Peter Kodwo Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, to “that noble country” to “express my solidarity and that of the universal Church with the victims of the conflict, and to encourage reconciliation and peace.”

Archbishop Jean-Pierre Kutwa of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, told Fides in response: “We are pleased about the Holy Father’s words and we thank him for them. We hope that his voice is heard.”