VATICAN NOVEMBER 24, 2015 (CISA) – Pope Francis on Monday November 23 sent a joint video message to the people of Central African Republic, Kenya and Uganda ahead of his maiden visit to Africa.
“Dear friends, I send a word of greeting and friendship to you and your families… I am coming as a minister of the Gospel, to proclaim the love of Jesus Christ and his message of reconciliation, forgiveness and peace,” the Pontiff told the people of Kenya and Uganda.
The pontiff said the aim of his visit will be “to confirm the Catholic community in its worship of God and witness of the Gospel, which teaches the dignity of every man and woman, and commands us to open our hearts to others, especially the poor and those in need.”
“We are living at a time when religious believers and persons of good will everywhere, are called to foster mutual understanding and respect, and to support each other as members of our one human family, for all of us are God’s children.”
“I ask everyone to pray that my stay in Kenya and Uganda will be a source of hope and encouragement to all… Upon you and your families I invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace!”
While addressing the people of Central African Republic the Pope said, “Your dear country has for too long been affected by a violent situation and by insecurity of which many of you have been innocent victims. The goal of my visit is, above all, to bring you, in the name of Christ, the comfort of consolation and hope. I hope with all my heart that my visit may contribute, in one way or another, to alleviate your wounds and to favour conditions for a better, more serene future for Central Africa and all its inhabitants.”
