Pope Francis speaks on journey to Africa

December 02, 2015

During his December 2 general audience, Pope Francis spoke about his recent apostolic journey to Africa.

The Pope told the crowds in St. Peter’s Square that “my recent apostolic journey to Africa brought me to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic with a message of hope in the Risen Jesus,” according to the Vatican’s official English-language synthesis of his remarks.

“In Kenya, a country blessed with great human and natural resources, I spoke of the worldwide challenge of protecting the environment and creating equitable, inclusive and sustainable models of development, and the need to form our young in the ways of peace and fraternity,” the Pope continued. “In Uganda, the land of the martyrs, I encouraged the Christian community to persevere in its witness of faith and charity, and thus to be a leaven of hope for society as a whole.”

He added:

In the Central African Republic, a country experiencing internal conflicts and great suffering, I opened the first Holy Door of the Jubilee of Mercy as a sign of hope and strength for its people and for all our brothers and sisters in Africa. I ask you to join me in commending them and all their aspirations to Jesus, our peace, who is himself the door which opens wide to the merciful love of our heavenly Father.

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis General Audience 2015.12.02 (YouTube Vatican)
• Pope Francis: I went to Africa with Message of Hope (Vatican Radio)