Colombians 'rise out of swamp of violence'

Francis calls on Colombian war survivors to 'rise out of swamp of violence'

by Joshua J. McElwee

VILLAVICENCIO, COLOMBIA - Pope Francis Sept. 8 asked those who had survived a war that killed some 220,000 to set aside their desire for vengeance in order to open the way for reconciliation.

Bombed-out Christ statue evinces pain of Colombian conflict

by Soli Salgado

VILLAVICENCIO, COLOMBIA - People in Villavicencio have prepared for Pope Francis' visit by undertaking a pilgrimage with the Cristo de Bojayá, a bombed-out crucifix representing the pain of the country's 50-year war.