KINSHASA (Reuters) – Pope Francis’s visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo will remind the world not to disregard decades-long conflicts which have beset the mineral-rich nation and wrecked the lives of hundreds of thousands, the Vatican’s envoy to Kinshasa said.
Francis is predicted to go to Congo from Jan. 31 to Feb. 3, the primary visit of a pope since 1985. Major preparations have been underway within the vast country, home to the most important Roman Catholic community in Africa.
“The Congo which receives the Pope today shouldn’t be similar to the one which welcomed Pope John Paul II 38 years ago,” Ettore Balestrero, the Vatican’s envoy to Kinshasa, told Reuters.
“Unfortunately, there have been wars and conflicts that proceed. He involves console the people, he involves heal wounds which are still bleeding.”
He said the mineral-rich central African nation has 45 million Catholics. The country has struggled with instability and conflicts for the reason that Nineties which have killed hundreds of thousands and given rise to dozens of militias, a few of which remain energetic.
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The pope had planned to go to the eastern city of Goma when the trip was official announced, but that leg of the trip has been canceled follow the resurgence of fighting between the military and the M23 rebel group.
“Congo is an ethical emergency that can’t be ignored,” Balestrero said.
The pope is predicted to fulfill victims from the east of the country on Feb. 1 and leaders of Catholic charities, based on the programme of his visit shared by the Vatican.
The Catholic Church plays a crucial role within the Congo. It manages around 40% of the country’s health structure. About six million students are taught in nursery, primary and secondary schools run by the church, Balestrero said.
It also runs considered one of the largest and most trusted election remark missions.
“Historically, the Church on this country has accompanied the consolidation of democratic consciousness and has often been the spokesperson for essentially the most urgent needs of the population,” Balestrero added.
(Reporting by Sonia Rolley; Editing by Bate Felix, William Maclean)
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