Haiti: Pope Leo XIV Launches Urgent Appeal to International Community

During the Angelus prayer this Sunday, Pope Leo XIV expressed his « profound sadness » over the dramatic situation in Haiti, denouncing the rise of violence, kidnappings, human trafficking, and forced displacement afflicting the population. The Pontiff firmly condemned these crimes and launched an urgent appeal to those responsible for the immediate release of all hostages. He also urged the international community to provide concrete support aimed at restoring stable social and institutional conditions, to enable the Haitian people to live in peace and dignity. An Alarming Climate of Violence The Pope's words come amid a continuously deteriorating security situation. Last week, an armed group attacked the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, kidnapping officials, staff members, and a three-year-old disabled child. This act, deemed particularly heinous, was denounced by the Catholic Church in Haiti as an attack on « the noblest aspects of society ». Faced with this spiral of violence, Haitian bishops launched a vibrant appeal to reject « the climate of dehumanization, » to strengthen justice, and to end impunity. Insufficient Stabilization Efforts Despite the deployment since June 2024 of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission — led by Kenya with the participation of several Caribbean and African countries — the situation remains precarious. Haitian security forces, supported by this mission, are struggling to regain control of areas dominated by armed groups. In January 2025, the President of the Transitional Presidential Council, Leslie Voltaire, had already warned against the disastrous consequences of a reduction in international aid, insisting on the need for global mobilization and commending the Vatican's moral support. A Cry of Alarm that Engages the World Pope Leo XIV's appeal is not limited to a simple spiritual message: it is a direct call to governments, international organizations, and humanitarian actors. The objective is clear: to create the conditions for a return to peace, institutional stability, and respect for human rights in Haiti. By associating the moral voice of the Catholic Church with the humanitarian emergency, the Holy Father reminds us that the Haitian crisis can no longer be perceived as an isolated problem, but as a collective test for the global conscience. By Gesly Sinvilier