President Petro Acknowledges Cuba and Venezuela in Peace Efforts at Vatican

Colombian President Gustavo Petro met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, expressing gratitude to Cuba and Venezuela for their peace mediation efforts. He discussed resuming talks with the ELN, invited the Pope to Colombia, and presented cultural gifts, aiming to highlight both humanitarian and environmental issues.

In a recent diplomatic encounter at the Vatican, Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed gratitude to Cuba and Venezuela for facilitating peace talks related to Colombia’s long-standing conflicts. After a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV, Petro reported that the National Liberation Army (ELN) has shown openness to resume discussions, noting that the talks had been stalled for four months. The Colombian leader emphasized the significant role played by Cuba, saying, “I thank Cuba and Venezuela—specifically Cuba, which has suffered so much—for offering its territory to talk about peace.”

Petro’s remarks emphasized the importance of the Vatican as a bastion of hope for peace. Flanked by discussions on topics like migration and the climate crisis during his 20-minute conversation with the Pope, Petro also reaffirmed the urgent need to end conflict. He referenced the Pope’s potential influence, stating, “the pontiff can help the U.S. government understand the pressing realities of migration tied to climate change.”

In an added gesture of goodwill, the Colombian President extended an invitation for Pope Leo XIV to visit Colombia, specifically highlighting the Chiribiquete National Park, which he described as “the first land that emerges from the water on the planet.” During this, he characterized Santa Marta as “the heart of the world.” Petro’s enthusiasm seemed to signal a hope for stronger ties and recognition of Colombia’s rich cultural heritage.

In addition to the dialogues, Petro gifted the Pope symbolic items, including a replica of the Muisca Raft, an Arhuaca backpack from the indigenous women of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a handcrafted hammock from Morroa, and Colombian coffee. These gifts were intended to showcase the hospitality and cultural diversity within Colombia. As the discussions unfolded, it became apparent that President Petro hopes to leverage the Vatican’s mediation to foster peace and address broader humanitarian issues ahead of future negotiations.

President Gustavo Petro’s recent meeting with Pope Leo XIV marks a renewed effort to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at peace in Colombia, particularly with the ELN. His gratitude towards Cuba and Venezuela for their roles underscores the complicated web of regional diplomacy. With aspirations for deeper connections and an emphasis on addressing climate change and migration, Petro’s visit reinforces a vision for reconciliation and cultural exchange between Colombia and the Holy See.

Original Source: www.plenglish.com