The Vatican had postponed until June, for health reasons, the visit that Pope Francis had planned to make to the DRC and South Sudan on Saturday July 2. His secretary of state, Bishop Pietro Parolin, was dispatched to Kinshasa to represent him at a mass at the cathedral.
With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Kamanda Wa Kamanda Muzembe
A large canvas has been stretched over the forecourt of the people’s palace. There is drawn the map of the Congo in the middle of a large sun, with this inscription: ” Prayer for peace and reconciliation »
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo was the first to speak. In his homily, the Archbishop of Kinshasa recalled the difficult trials that the DRC is going through, and in particular the wars imposed on it, according to the prelate, by the local and foreign armed groups which are raging in the East of the country. Mgr Fridolin Ambongo mentioned in particular the M23 which would be supported by Rwanda.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin then sent a message of comfort to the Congolese people. Pope Francis’ special envoy recalled that whatever the situation, it should always be borne in mind that ” God is always present with us “. Prime Minister Sama Lukonde finally reiterated the wish of the Congolese people to welcome Pope Francis to their soil as soon as possible. ” We are waiting for it “, he concluded.
► Read also : Pope Francis “regrets” the cancellation of his visit to the DRC and South Sudan
Alongside this Mass of Kinsahsa, a religious service bringing together Congolese expatriates was organized this Sunday in Rome. Moreover, after Kinsahsa, the Pope’s emissary, Bishop Pietro Parolin is therefore expected in Juba, the South Sudanese capital..