Pope in Sri Lanka: Huge crowds for Colombo Mass

Huge crowds have watched Pope Francis celebrate Mass in Sri Lanka, at which he canonised the nation’s first saint.

The pontiff urged people to follow the example of 17th Century missionary Joseph Vaz at the service in Colombo.

The Pope, who has now travelled to a northern region that was devastated by a 26-year civil war, earlier called for the “pursuit of truth”.

Government forces defeated the Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009, but both sides were accused of atrocities.

The authorities have so far refused to co-operate with a UN inquiry into war crimes.

The previous government consistently denied allegations that it was responsible for the deaths of many thousands of civilians in the final phase of the war.

The Tamil Tiger leaders are dead, so the Sri Lankan authorities have portrayed attempts to investigate as a one-sided witch hunt.

Hundreds of thousands showed up for the Pope’s sea-front service at Galle Face Green, with many lining up from Tuesday to secure a place.

In keeping with his message of unity for Sri Lanka, Pope Francis urged its citizens to follow the example of Joseph Vaz and learn to overcome religious differences.

The Pope said St Joseph dedicated his life to the gospel message of reconciliation, and showed “the importance of transcending religious divisions in the service of peace”.

BBC News