President Gustavo Petro expresses gratitude to Cuba and Venezuela for facilitating peace talks for Colombia and invites Pope Leo XIV to visit. He highlights the ELN’s willingness to resume discussions and emphasizes the connection between migration, climate change, and global conflicts during their Vatican meeting. Petro presents cultural gifts to the Pope, aiming to build stronger ties.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro recently thanked both Cuba and Venezuela for their roles in mediating peace discussions regarding Colombia. Following a private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Petro revealed the guerrilla group National Liberation Army (ELN) has indicated a desire to resume negotiations in these two nations, whose territories have been offered for such dialogues. Petro specifically expressed gratitude towards Cuba, acknowledging the hardships the nation has endured.
During the audience, which lasted roughly 20 minutes, Petro and Pope Leo XIV addressed significant issues including migration challenges and the urgent need to resolve conflicts not only in Colombia but globally. He emphasized the importance of ‘effective love,’ especially in discussions surrounding power dynamics in today’s world. This theoretical concept aligned perfectly with their conversation on finding peace.
Petro extended a formal invitation for the Pope to visit Colombia, particularly highlighting the Chiribiquete region. He described it as a uniquely significant area, stating it is the first land to emerge from water on the planet. Additionally, he suggested that Santa Marta, which he referred to as ‘the heart of the world,’ should also be part of the papal tour.
The President, who noted that Pope Leo XIV is well-versed in Latin American issues, expressed confidence that the Pope could help bridge understanding with the U.S. government. He warned that prioritizing anti-migration efforts could lead to tragic outcomes, likening it to ‘the murder of its own children’ if not contextualized within the broader challenge of climate change.
As a token of respect and cultural diplomacy, Petro presented the Pope with a series of symbolic gifts including a replica of the Muisca Raft, an indigenous Arhuaca backpack woven by women from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, an artisanal hammock from Morroa in Sucre, and a selection of Colombian coffee, all reflecting the country’s rich cultural identity and warmth.
In summary, President Gustavo Petro’s recent discussions with Pope Leo XIV have underscored the importance of peace dialogues and the mediation role of Cuba and Venezuela in Colombia’s future. His emphasis on global conflicts, migration issues, and climate change reflect a broader, humanitarian appeal. The symbolic gifts offered to the Pope further illustrate Colombia’s commitment to cultural representation and diplomacy. Petro’s invitation for the Pope to visit Colombia may also enhance the bond between the nations and potentially influence U.S. policies on migration and climate change.
Original Source: www.plenglish.com
