KENYA: “Access to safe drinkable water is a basic and universal human right,” –Pope Francis
Pope
Francis has denounced the conditions slum-dwellers are forced to live in and
said that access to safe water is a basic human right and that everyone should
have dignified, adequate housing.
Speaking
at Kangemi Slum in Nairobi during the last day of his visit Pope Francis said “Our
world has a grave social debt towards the poor who lack access to drinking
water, because they are denied the right to a life consistent with their
inalienable dignity (Laudato Si’, 30). …. To deny a family water, under any
bureaucratic pretext whatsoever, is a great injustice, especially when one
profits from this need.
at Kangemi Slum in Nairobi during the last day of his visit Pope Francis said “Our
world has a grave social debt towards the poor who lack access to drinking
water, because they are denied the right to a life consistent with their
inalienable dignity (Laudato Si’, 30). …. To deny a family water, under any
bureaucratic pretext whatsoever, is a great injustice, especially when one
profits from this need.
Residents
of the Kangemi slum lined up along the streets to welcome Pope Francis. Those
lucky enough to score access to St. Joseph’s parish erupted in cheers and hymns
when Francis arrived at the open-sided church that serves the slum of about
50,000 people.
of the Kangemi slum lined up along the streets to welcome Pope Francis. Those
lucky enough to score access to St. Joseph’s parish erupted in cheers and hymns
when Francis arrived at the open-sided church that serves the slum of about
50,000 people.
“I
am here because I want you to know that your joys and hopes, your troubles and
your sorrows, are not indifferent to me.
I realize the difficulties which you experience daily! How can I not denounce the injustices which
you suffer?” Pope Francis asked.
am here because I want you to know that your joys and hopes, your troubles and
your sorrows, are not indifferent to me.
I realize the difficulties which you experience daily! How can I not denounce the injustices which
you suffer?” Pope Francis asked.
On
issue of infrastructure Pope Francis said that it is a serious problem if one lacks
access to infrastructures and basic services.
“By this I mean toilets, sewers, drains, refuse collection, electricity,
roads, as well as schools, hospitals, recreational and sport centres, studios
and workshops for artists and craftsmen,” he said.
issue of infrastructure Pope Francis said that it is a serious problem if one lacks
access to infrastructures and basic services.
“By this I mean toilets, sewers, drains, refuse collection, electricity,
roads, as well as schools, hospitals, recreational and sport centres, studios
and workshops for artists and craftsmen,” he said.
The
Holy Father urged the authority to work with the people living in the slums upon
the path of social inclusion, education, sport, community action, and the
protection of families, for this is the only guarantee of a peace that is just,
authentic and enduring.
Holy Father urged the authority to work with the people living in the slums upon
the path of social inclusion, education, sport, community action, and the
protection of families, for this is the only guarantee of a peace that is just,
authentic and enduring.
In
the conclusion of his speech Pope Francis said “Dear neighbours, dear brothers and sisters,
let us together pray, work and commit ourselves to ensuring that every family
has dignified housing, access to drinking water, a toilet, reliable sources of
energy for lighting, cooking and improving their homes; that every
neighbourhood has streets, squares, schools, hospitals, areas for sport,
recreation and art; that basic services are provided to each of you; that your
appeals and your pleas for greater opportunity can be heard; that all can enjoy
the peace and security which they rightfully deserve on the basis of their
infinite human dignity.”
the conclusion of his speech Pope Francis said “Dear neighbours, dear brothers and sisters,
let us together pray, work and commit ourselves to ensuring that every family
has dignified housing, access to drinking water, a toilet, reliable sources of
energy for lighting, cooking and improving their homes; that every
neighbourhood has streets, squares, schools, hospitals, areas for sport,
recreation and art; that basic services are provided to each of you; that your
appeals and your pleas for greater opportunity can be heard; that all can enjoy
the peace and security which they rightfully deserve on the basis of their
infinite human dignity.”
By Fr Chrisantus Ndaga;
AMECEA Online News
AMECEA Online News
