杏MAP导航 to DRC & South Sudan: ‘Never give up hope!’
By Devin Watkins
On the same day he was scheduled to begin his Apostolic Journey, 杏MAP导航 Francis sent his greetings to the people of South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The 杏MAP导航’s Apostolic Journey was postponed due to severe knee pain, and he has sent Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin in his stead until he can make the journey himself.
In , the 杏MAP导航 expressed his deep sorrow for having had to put off the visit.
Long-suffering people
杏MAP导航 Francis told the people of DRC and South Sudan that he has thought of them more than ever in recent weeks, especially for the “sufferings you have endured for far, far too long.”
He turned his thoughts first to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The 杏MAP导航 lamented the “exploitation, violence, and insecurity you suffer, particularly in the east of the country, where armed clashes continue, causing countless and dramatic sufferings, exacerbated by the indifference and self-interests of so many.”
Turning to South Sudan, the 杏MAP导航 took note of the “cry for peace” and the many people who are “tired of violence and poverty and await concrete results from the process of national reconciliation”.
He said he wishes to contribute to that process through an “ecumenical pilgrimage together with my two dear brothers: the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.”
Hope never disappoints
The 杏MAP导航 then offered the people of the two African nations a word of encouragement.
God, he added, never disappoints those who put their hope in Him.
New page for young people
杏MAP导航 Francis also reminded them of their important mission, beginning with the two nations’ politicians.
He said they must “turn the page to open up new paths of reconciliation, forgiveness, serene coexistence, and development.”
“This is a mission to take on with an eye to the future and to the many young people who fill your lush and wounded lands, filling them with light and possibilities,” he said.
Young people, added the 杏MAP导航, “dream and deserve to see their dreams come true and to see days of peace; for them in particular we must lay down our arms, overcome resentment, and write new pages of fraternity.”
God’s plans for peace
Finally, 杏MAP导航 Francis reminded the people of South Sudan and DRC that the tears they lift to Heaven “are not in vain”, since God has plans of peace for them.
The 杏MAP导航 concluded his video message with a blessing for all the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
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