'Lay down your arms' Pope says as he opens 'Holy Door' in Bangui, Central African Republic

Francis, who arrived conflict-ridden Central
African Republic on Sunday, November 29, on his
final leg of a three-nation African tour, has urged
the warring factions to lay down their weapons.
"To all those who make unjust use of the
weapons of this world, I make this appeal:
lay down these instruments of death!"
The country has been ravaged by sectarian
violence for more than two years after longtime
Christian leader Francois Bozize was ousted by
rebels from the mainly Muslim Seleka force. Pope
Francis opened a 'holy door' during a mass at
Bangui Cathedral, marking the beginning of a
Jubilee year dedicated to forgiveness and
reconciliation which will be formally inaugurated
on December 8.
In his address, he called for "unity, urging the
people to avoid the temptation of fear of others,
of the unfamiliar, of what is not part of our
ethnic group, our political views or our religious
denomination"
He also said he hoped the upcoming elections
would allow the country to peacefully begin a new
chapter.
"It is my fervent wish that the various national
consultations to be held in coming weeks will
enable the country to embark serenely on a new
chapter of its history" he said.
The Catholic leader will meet members of the
Muslim community today. He will also celebrate a
huge mass at the city's 20,000-seat Barhelemy
Boganda Stadium.