Pope Francis in Africa from 31 January to 5 February: “Accompany me with prayer”

start tomorrow, January 31stthe Pope Francis’ visit to Africa. Two countries that the pontiff will visit: Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. Here is the program and the main stages

Pope Francis: “Let us pray for those affected by war”

Francis will leave tomorrow morning for Kinshasa: “I will leave on an apostolic journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo and to the Republic of South Sudan. I affectionately greet those dear populations who await me. I ask everyone, please, to accompany this journey with prayer”, Pope Francis asked with a tweet, on the eve of his departure

Pope Francis: “Homilies are not conferences, they last 8-10 minutes”

As he writes to comethe Pope in Congo will stay only in the capital Kinshasa and will meet the victims of the conflict in the east of the country in the Nunciature. He will ask them for words of forgiveness for the aggressors. The meeting places will be armored vehicles inside a sort of “red zone” where it will not be possible to go, not even on foot, without a special authorisation

One of the most delicate moments, in Congo, will be February 1 Mass at Ndolo airport where they are expected at least one million people. The next day, Thursday February 2, it is instead the turn of the iMeeting with young people and catechistsie of the prayer meeting at the Cathedral “Notre Dame du Congo”

Then the Pope, on Friday 3 February, it will fly to Jubathe capital of South Sudan, where he will be accompanied by the primate of the Anglican Church Justin Welby and the moderator of the Church of Scotland, Ian Greenshields

The first day in South Sudan the pontiff will do a visit courtesy to the President of the Republic of the country and will meet the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps

For the next day, February 4, it is expected the meeting with the bishops, priests, consecrated women and seminarians at the Cathedral of Santa Teresa, the meeting with internally displaced persons and ecumenical prayer at the “John Garang” Mausoleum

In the end, Sunday February 5, is scheduled thereat Mass at the “John Garang” Mausoleum. The pope will then return to the Vatican

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