Pope’s hope for Africa

In Kenya, the first stop on his tour, Francis is anticipated to provide a word of support to Christians still reeling from an April assault by the Islamic militant group al Shabab that killed almost 150 individuals at a Kenyan school of mostly Christian students.

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Pope Francis on Monday released a video message, two days prior to the start of his first apostolic visit to Africa, in which he emphasised his intention to promote peace.

In a speech late last week, Pope Francis came as close to cancelling Christmas as a pope likely ever has, calling the holiday a “charade” when “the whole world is at war”, as he now believes it to be.

The Pope’s arrival in Uganda is likely to attract pilgrims around the world from as far afield as Australia and the United States but Mgr Kauta hopes that the visit will also encourage inter-religious dialogue with the Muslim community already welcoming the Pope too.

The country has been the scene of violence and upheaval since 2013.

Francis, who will be visiting Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic from November 25-30, famously said “Who am I to judge?” in referring to a purportedly gay priest. “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”. “The world has not chosen a peaceful path” Francis said in a sermon. “Most of the time we are looked down upon, but here is a person who comes and says: ‘You are also important.’ And that’s very, very important to us”.

“We’ve informed the Vatican authorities that Pope Francis’ visit carries risks for himself and for hundreds of thousands believers who could be there to see him”, a defense ministry source said in Paris.

“Upon you and your families I invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace!”