Catholic bishops lament effects of Mugabe regime

Catholic bishops in Zimbabwe have issued a pastoral letter to emigrants who have left the troubled nation, which Robert Mugabe has ruled since 1980.

"As the fabric of society weakened, and with no relief in sight, the hopes of many people faded," the bishops stated.

"People lost trust in political leaders. The cry of despair was heard and continues to be heard: What can I do? How can I help my family? Whether to stay or to go became a painful dilemma that many a Zimbabwean breadwinner had to face. To stay for some meant risking destitution; to go involved a wrench with all one had known."

"In the first decade of the new millennium this trickle became a flood as our country (was plunged) into an unprecedented abyss characterized by economic, social, and political woes and unimaginable forms of political intimidation and violence," the bishops added.