Cape Verdean Bishop Urges Christians to Reject Violence, Care for Creation on St. Francis’ Feast

Bishop Teodoro Mendes Tavares of the Catholic Diocese of Santiago urged Christians to reject violence and protect the environment during a homily on October 4. Speaking at the Convent of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in Praia for the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the bishop said the saint serves as a relevant example for societies facing conflict and environmental degradation.

Bishop Tavares said genuine peace requires security, justice, respect, and healthy relationships. He warned that violence is not always obvious, noting that verbal abuse, contempt, envy, and aggression on social media constitute forms of hidden violence. He encouraged believers to avoid responding to disagreements with aggression, persecution, or indifference.