Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
CNN
—
Over a million people attended Pope Francis‘ Mass at Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Wednesday, the Vatican Press Office said, citing local government estimates.
Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to the DRC – the first by a pope since 1985 – comes at a time when the African country is besieged by armed clashes and a refugee crisis. the accident is getting worse.
This is part of a six-day trip in the DRC and South Sudan – two countries where Catholics make up about half of the population and where the Church is a major stakeholder in the health and education systems as well as in democracy-building efforts. Both countries have rich natural resources, but are struggling with poverty and conflict.
A CNN team at the scene have seen crowds singing and dancing at N’Dolo Airport since the early hours of the morning, waiting for their first look at the Pope, who toured the airport in a plane. Popemobile is open.
Pope Francis spoke to attendees during his homily on peace and directly challenged those who use weapons.
“May this be the right time for you, who in this country call themselves a Christian but commit acts of violence,” Pope Francis said. “To you, God says: ‘Hand down your arms and receive mercy.’”
“We Christians are called to cooperate with all, to break the cycle of violence, to destroy the plots of hatred,” the pope said.
The pope said the people are suffering “severing wounds, constantly poisoned by hatred and violence, while the panacea of justice and hope never seems to come”. according to Reuters.
decade militia violence took control of the DRC, as state forces struggled to contain rebel groups. Clashes between government troops and the M23 rebel group, which seek to control the country from their stronghold in the eastern DRC, have left many people dead and thousands displaced.
According to the United Nations World Food Program, 26 million people in the DRC face severe hunger.
Francis met victims of violence from the east during his visit, and said he was “speechless” after hearing their heartbreaking stories.
“We can only weep in silence,” the Pope said, as he thanked the victims for their courageous testimony.
He is expected to leave Kinshasa on Friday for the South Sudanese capital Juba, where he will be joined by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Iain Greenshields.
