‘Blood flows every day in Haiti’: Archbishop calls on international community to save lives

Archbishop Max Leroy Mésidor of Port-au-Prince. / Credit: Salesian Priests of Haiti

ACI Prensa Staff, Mar 19, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

The archbishop of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Max Leroy Mésidor, asked the international community for help to save the lives of Haitians in the face of the wave of violence that continues to affect the Caribbean country. “Don’t get tired of Haiti,” the prelate said. 

“Please do not delay, because we are on the brink of disaster,” pleaded Mésidor — who is also president of the Haitian Bishops’ Conference — in an interview with SIR News Agency.

The archbishop also described the Kenyan-led, U.N.-approved police support mission that sought to pacify the country, especially Port-au-Prince, which is almost entirely controlled by organized crime gangs, as “a great disappointment.”

The U.N. noted that the violence in Haiti is unprecedented and that each figure released constitutes “a new record.”

Mésidor said he believes that “more personnel” and “more adequate equipment” are needed along with “a clear security plan” and “continued commitment” from decision-makers for the mission to be truly successful.

“Port-au-Prince is practically surrounded by armed gangs. An estimated 85% of the capital is outside state control. And there is a desperate need for signs of improvement. The situation is the same in the suburbs, particularly in the Kenscoff Mountains,” Mésidor commented.

Despite the violence, the Catholic Church in Haiti has remained faithful to its mission, “within the limits of what is possible, of course,” he said. The archbishop assured that they continue to bring “a word of hope and courage to these overwhelmed and exhausted people” while “holding the authorities accountable for their inaction and indifference.”

“The Church is trying to support the displaced by providing them with food, drinking water, medicine, and clothing. Fundraising activities and goods received in the offering processions during Mass are distributed to these people, especially women, children, and the elderly, who have had to abandon their homes and possessions to escape the barbarity,” he added.

Mésidor, echoing the words of Pope Francis, emphasized that the Haitian people urgently need “effective aid and clear solidarity.”

“In Haiti, blood flows every day: Children die, the elderly are gunned down, entire neighborhoods are burned and destroyed. It’s true that there are many international meetings and debates about Haiti, but we don’t really see their impact. Please help us save the lives of a population practically abandoned to fend for itself,” he concluded.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.