Pope Francis is leaving tomorrow for a six-day trip to three countries in the African and Indian Oceans -the poor Mozambique and Madagascar, but also the tourist island of Mauritius- where he will speak on peace and social justice.
The Pope will make his second papal trip to sub-Saharan Africa from September 4 to September 10, staying in the capitals of the three countries in south-east Africa.
“Although I can’t go outside the capital, my heart is close to you and embraces all of you, especially those who live in difficulties”, the Pontiff said in a taped message in Portuguese to the citizens of Mozambique.
Francis is probably going to speak against fanaticism. The north eparchy Pemba suffers from attacks by jihadists the last two years, that have caused the death of 300 people. The Pope shall stay longer in Madagascar.
“It is expected that 800,000 faithful shall attend the Great Liturgy which will be performed by the Pontiff”, said a local religious official.
The Pontiff shall conclude his trip with a brief visit to Mauritius island. It should be reminded that John Paul II had visited these three countries 30 years ago.
Source: ANA-MPA
