POPE FRANCIS IN AFRICA – KINSHASA, DRC
DAY ONE HIGHLIGHTS: Highlights of Pope Francis’ first day in DR Congo – Vatican News
DAY ONE: Meeting with civil authorities on the first day of his Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pope Francis addresses the most pressing issues affecting the African nation, including ongoing conflict and economic colonialism, and urges the Congolese people to reject violence. Pope decries conflicts and economic colonialism in DR Congo – Vatican New
DAY TWO: On the second day of his Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pope Francis celebrates Mass for more than a million people at the “Ndolo” airport in Kinshasa, and urges them to lay down their arms, embrace mercy, and be missionaries of peace. Pope at Mass in DR Congo: Lay down your arms, embrace mercy – Vatican News
DAY TWO: Pope Francis meets with survivors of the ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They shared stories of brutal violence, including mass killings and mutilation, abduction and lost relatives, serial rape and sexual slavery, and displaced people living in overcrowded and unsanitary refugee camps. Some very extraordinary and touching moments in this encounter. Survivors of violence in DRC share heartbreaking stories with Pope Francis – Vatican News
Photos by Elias Turk – EWTN
As I prepare this column, there is live coverage of Pope Francis’ meeting with representatives of various charitable organizations at the apostolic nunciature in Kinshasa, DRC: http://www.vaticannews.va
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