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Burkina Faso cardinal hospitalized with COVID-19 offering illness for peace

Writing from his hospital bed in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where he is being treated for the COVID-19 coronavirus, Cardinal Philippe Ouédraogo voiced gratitude to all those who are praying for him, saying he is offering his illness for other patients and for peace in his country.

 

Cardinal Philippe Nakellentuba Ouédraogo, 75, was given a red hat by Pope Francis in 2014 and elected president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) in July 2019.

After demonstrating several symptoms, he was tested for the coronavirus on March 28 and got the positive result two days later. He is currently receiving treatment at a medical clinic in Ouagadougou and is reportedly in stable condition, as Cruxnow reported.

In an April 5 statement, Ouédraogo said he is just one among thousands of other patients worldwide who are suffering due to the pandemic.

“This is not something that only happens to others,” he said, voicing thanks to all those who have written or called to express concern, some of whom have said they are praying novenas for his recovery.

As he continues his treatment, Ouédraogo said he is offering his illness for three specific intentions: For all other patients infected with COVID-19 in other dioceses; for an end to the killing of innocent people “perpetrated by the forces of evil”; and for peace, justice and reconciliation in Burkina Faso.

“Considering these expressions of solidarity and compassion, I can only exclaim: Who am I to deserve such a great and kind attention, both physical/material and spiritual? Thank you to everyone and I employ the Lord to keep us always united with one another on such moment in life!” Ouédraogo said.

Christian communities in the country, home to some of the world’s poorest populations, have been caught in the middle and are increasingly targeted by radical Islamists.

For months, Burkina Faso has seen a surge of attacks by jihadists, local militias, and militants, as well as an increasing number of inter-communal attacks, making the country one of the most rapidly growing displacement crises in Africa.

Featured photo, shows Cardinal Philippe Nakellentuba Ouédraogo of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso waving as he leaves St. Peter’s Basilica after a consistory at which he was made a cardinal by Pope Francis at the Vatican Feb. 22, 2014. (Credit: Paul Haring/CNS)

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