PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) –  The United States (US) has promised to continue playing a role in the future of Haiti while Pope Leo XIV, a fervent advocate of international harmony, has called for a “disarmed peace” for the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country.

In a message marking the country’s 222nd anniversary of political independence from France, United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said Washington remains “committed to working with you to strengthen security, restore stability, and build the foundations for a more prosperous future.

”We continue to support the establishment of a Gang Suppression Force that can work with Haitian security forces to end the reign of terror by gangs and US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organisations.”

Rubio said that the United States also recognises the progress Haiti’s transitional government and provisional electoral council are making to prepare for the country’s first national elections in a decade in 2026.

“The United States will continue to encourage and assist efforts that pave the way for a secure process that allows Haitians to elect their leaders,” Rubio said, adding “today, we celebrate Haiti’s resilience and reaffirm our enduring commitment to the Haitian people”.

Meanwhile, Bishop Gontrand Décoste of Jérémie, has welcomed the Roman Catholic Pontiff’s call for a “disarmed peace” for Haiti, adding that the country stands “strong despite its trials”.

The bishop said that the message by Pope Leo requires the complete absence of firearms and the immediate cessation of hostilities, while a disarming peace is a process of dialogue that encourages those who hold power by force to lay down their arms in order to restore national security and the authority of the state.

Bishop Décoste said while efforts continue to deal with the criminal gangs, including the establishment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), Haiti remains under the control of coalitions of armed gangs and terrorists paralysing the economy, blocking roads, and fueling a regional drug trade.

“Some are profiting from insecurity and the sale of ammunition while the people live in abject poverty,” said the Bishop of Jérémie, even as he remains optimistic about the future of the country.

“Haiti will not perish.” 42 years after Pope John Paul II’s historic visit, the cry “Haiti will live” continues to inspire the faith of the faithful. Marian pilgrimages to Port-au-Prince are transformed into acts of spiritual resistance against the darkness,” he said, adding the Haitian Church embraces the words of Leo XIV: “Evil will not prevail.”