Pope Francis wishes success and prosperity to Georgia, calls for peaceful coexistence of people, states in region
TBILISI. Sept 30 (Interfax) - Georgia is a natural bridge between Europe and Asia, which unites people, Pope Francis said at a meeting with the representatives of the Georgian authorities in Tbilisi on Friday.
"I wish success and prosperity to Georgia on its way of peace and development, but this way has obligatory conditions, which is peaceful coexistence of the people and the countries in the region, and strengthening of confidence and respect between them is necessary for that," the pope said.
Violence and extremism manipulating civic and religious principles often manifest in various regions of the world today, he said.
"It is essential that the fate of a person would still take first place in our hearts. We need to show patience for disagreements not to turn into violence," he said.
He noted that people in charge should take any possible efforts to return refugees and forcibly displaced persons to their homes, even in conditions of irresolvable political issues.
Pope Francis blessed Georgia and wished it peace.
