Pope Leo XIV expressed concern over renewed violence in southwestern Colombia, calling for an end to attacks and offering prayers for those affected.
According to Vatican News, the Pope addressed the situation during his greetings to Spanish-speaking pilgrims at the General Audience on April 29. He said he was following developments “with sorrow and concern,” citing the loss of lives in recent attacks.
“I express my closeness in prayer to the victims and their families,” he said, urging all parties “to reject every form of violence and to decisively choose the path of peace.”
The violence has intensified in Colombia’s southwestern region, particularly in Cauca and Valle del Cauca, areas known for long-standing armed conflict linked to drug trafficking routes and illegal mining.
Authorities have blamed the attacks on the FARC-EMC, a dissident faction of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, which formally disbanded following a 2016 peace agreement with the government.
The group is believed to have carried out at least 26 attacks since April 24, resulting in dozens of deaths. On April 25, an explosion on a highway between Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca, and Popayán killed 21 people.
Analysts say the attacks may be aimed at demonstrating the group’s strength ahead of Colombia’s presidential elections scheduled for May 31.
The faction is led by Néstor Vera, who rejected the 2016 peace accord. The group has maintained a presence in remote rural areas, where state control is limited.
Peace talks between the Colombian government and the group began in late 2023, but a faction withdrew from negotiations in April 2024 and resumed armed operations.
Reports indicate that the group has used drones, car bombs, kidnappings, and extortion to assert control over communities in the region, further worsening insecurity for local residents.
The Pope’s appeal comes as Colombia continues to face challenges in consolidating peace in regions historically affected by armed conflict.
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