Jul 31, 2011 / 10:41 am
Pope Benedict XVI’s Sunday Angelus address highlighted the plight of those affected by drought and famine in the Horn of Africa.
“One thinks of the many brothers and sisters these days, in the Horn of Africa, who suffer the dramatic consequences of famine, exacerbated by war and the lack of strong institutions,” the Pope told pilgrims gathered in the courtyard of his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, 15 miles to the south of Rome.
The Horn of Africa refers to the group of countries situated on the Somali peninsula in the north-east of the continent. These include Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia itself. All three states plus Kenya, which borders to the south, have been declared a drought zone by the United Nations. It’s estimated to be the worst of its kind in 60 years.
“The Word of God recalls how the water and bread are necessary for every human being,” said Pope Benedict drawing upon today’s Gospel passage which retold the story of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes by Jesus.