Pope Francis’ Greetings to Africa as he sets on a Historic Pastoral Visit

by Valerian Kkonde

PEARL NEWS SERVICE

A few weeks before he set his foot on the African continent, His Holiness Pope Francis sent greetings to a continent most described by disaster, war, famine, bad governance and poverty. The abundantly and naturally endowed continent’s beauty is often overshadowed by these image-soiling Africa pet names. But all is not lost; Africa exudes hope, bravery, natural beauty, and above all Africa is today home to a flourishing Church.

 

 Pope Francis taken while in Nairobi- Kenya

Below is Pope Francis’ advance greeting to the African continent:

Dear Friends,

As I prepare to visit Kenya and Uganda later this month, I send a word of greeting and friendship to you and your families. I look forward to this time we will have together.

I am coming as a minister of the Gospel, to proclaim the love of Jesus Christ and His message of reconciliation, forgiveness and peace. My visit is meant to confirm the Catholic community in its worship of God and its witness to 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.

At the same time I wish to encounter all the people of Kenya and Uganda, and offer everyone a word of encouragement. 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. A highlight of my visit will be my meetings with young people, who are your greatest resource and our most promising hope for a future of solidarity, peace and progress.

I know that many people are working hard to prepare for my visit, and I thank them. 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!