Pope Francis: Africa Visit To Target Growing Catholic Population Despite

Francis said it would be sad and even catastrophic if business and private interests led to manipulation of the climate talks for personal rather than common goals.

The meeting in Paris “represents an important stage in the process of developing a new energy system which depends on a minimal use of fossil fuels, aims at energy efficiency and makes use of energy sources with little or no carbon content”, the pope said. “We were not meant to be inundated by cement, asphalt, glass and metal, and deprived of physical contact with nature”, he said.

GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis plants a tree at the United Nations office in Nairobi on Thursday.

The pontiff noted that, “By caring for the spiritual growth of our communities, by forming minds and hearts in the truths and values taught by our religious traditions, we become a blessing to the communities in which our people live”.

Nairobi police say an estimated 300,000 people attended Pope Francis’ first public Mass in Africa, far fewer than the 1.4 million Kenyan authorities had predicted.

There’s also lots of colour with short articles about the small “Honda” auto chosen to drive Francis into the city, on how he quipped that the only thing he is anxious about during this journey are the mosquitos; about how the Swiss Guards have taken over security since the Pope’s arrival in Nairobi.

In his homily, the Holy Father urged Christians to resist practices which foster arrogance in men, hurt or demean women and those that threaten the life of innocent unborn children saying: “we are called to respect and encourage one another and to reach out to all those in need”.

Despite the inherent risks of the trip, the visit provides Pope Francis a valuable opportunity to directly address the Catholic population in the region and reemphasize the central themes of his papacy, which centers on the reduction of global poverty, climate change, and the abolition of inter-religious strife.

“This Pope has transcended religious fault lines”, said Muslim Senator Hassan Omar.

“I am a Catholic and I believe he is a godsend”. We hope his visit will bring positive change.

Pope Francis yesterday warned that poverty fuels “conflict and terrorism” as he kicked off a landmark first trip to Africa, landing to a rapturous welcome from cheering crowds and traditional dancers.

During a mass punctuated by frequent bouts of lively singing and dancing Francis made a special appeal to young people to work “to shape a society which is ever more just, inclusive and respectful” of human dignity.

“I am coming as a minister of the Gospel, to proclaim the love of Jesus Christ and his message of reconciliation, forgiveness and peace”, Pope Francis said in separate message to the people of Kenya and Uganda.