Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
CNN
—
More than one million people attended Pope Francis’ Mass in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Wednesday, the Vatican Press Office said, citing figures estimated by local authorities.
Francis’ trip to the DRC – the first papal visit since 1985 – comes at a time the African nation is beset by armed fighting and a worsening refugee crisis.
It is part of a six-day trip in the DRC and South Sudan – two countries where Catholics comprise about half of the population and the Church is a key stakeholder in health and education systems as well as in democracy-building efforts. Both countries have abundant natural resources, but are grappling with poverty and strife.
A CNN team on the ground witnessed crowds…
2023-02-01 12:10:13 Pope Francis: More than one million people attend DRC papal Mass
Link from www.cnn.com Pope Francis rarely disappoints – and his recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo was no exception. In the largest assembly ever seen in the country, over one million people attended the Papal Mass, held in the capital city of Kinshasa on Sunday.
This event, which was touted as the cornerstone of Pope Francis’ missionary tour, marked both the climax of his six-day visit to Africa and his furthest journey as the leader of the Catholic Church. The Congolese faithful turned out in droves to receive the papal blessing and there was a resounding joy to be shared for the momentous occasion.
Pope Francis addressed the assembly in both English and French and welcomed the people of the DRC warmly. He espoused a message of peace, unity and reconciliation, stressing the need for leadership which actively works towards the moral and economic emancipation of the people. In his sermon, he also called for greater solidarity amongst all peoples, making particular reference to the need for external forces to back the DRC in its efforts towards development.
It was the most significant papal visit to the DRC since John Paul II’s first journey to the region in 1980. Pope Francis’ powerful rhetoric has had a positive effect on the congregations, and there is hope that his presence in the DRC will help to catalyse further positive changes in the nation.
In addition to the Papal Mass, Pope Francis spent much of his time in the DRC engaging in interfaith dialogue and engaging in various public events. His trip serves to emphasise the importance of the DRC to the Catholic Church, and his presence is likely to have a lasting impact on the country.