杏MAP导航

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导航鈥檚 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 鈥渟ufferings you have endured for far, far too long.鈥�

He turned his thoughts first to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The 杏MAP导航 lamented the 鈥渆xploitation, 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.鈥�

Turning to South Sudan, the 杏MAP导航 took note of the 鈥渃ry for peace鈥� and the many people who are 鈥渢ired of violence and poverty and await concrete results from the process of national reconciliation鈥�.

He said he wishes to contribute to that process through an 鈥渆cumenical pilgrimage together with my two dear brothers: the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.鈥�

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鈥� politicians.

He said they must 鈥渢urn the page to open up new paths of reconciliation, forgiveness, serene coexistence, and development.鈥�

鈥淭his 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,鈥� he said.

Young people, added the 杏MAP导航, 鈥渄ream 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.鈥�

God鈥檚 plans for peace

Finally, 杏MAP导航 Francis reminded the people of South Sudan and DRC that the tears they lift to Heaven 鈥渁re not in vain鈥�, 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.