Remembering the victims of Rwanda's genocide, Pope Benedict XVI said love is the only force that can lead people toward social and personal perfection and direct society toward doing good.The pope made the statement in a message sent to Rwandan President Paul Kagame to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the 1994 genocide.
The message was sent to the Rwandan president in early April, but because the 2007 national day of mourning fell on Holy Saturday, it was only released publicly in late May.
Rwandans mark April 7 as a national day of mourning for the victims of the genocide.
Although baptisms are usually performed at the Easter Vigil, as a sign of unity with their fellow Rwandan citizens and a sign of respect for those being mourned April 7, the bishops of Rwanda postponed the administration of sacraments that are generally accompanied by family celebrations.
"I, too, wish to unite myself to your mourning and in particular pray for all the victims of that horrible carnage, regardless of their religious beliefs and ethnic or political background," said Pope Benedict.
He also said he hopes Rwandans will work together to build a new nation based on truth, justice, unity and peace.
"The Christian faith shared by the majority of the people of Rwanda, if lived fully and coherently, can be an aid for overcoming a past made up of mistakes and death that culminated in the 1994 genocide," the pope said.
The same Christian faith, he said, can help the rebuilding process by leading the people of Rwanda to rediscover the renewing power of love.
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