Pope prays for reconciliation
process ahead of Mozambique visit
Pope Francis sends his greetings to the people of Mozambique
ahead of his Apostolic Journey on 4-6 September, asking them to pray for him
and for reconciliation in the southern African nation.
By Devin Watkins
The Pope sets off on his Apostolic Journey to Mozambique,
Madagascar, and Mauritius next Wednesday.
His first stop is in Maputo, the Mozambiqan capital, where
he will meet with civil, interreligious, and Church authorities, and celebrate
Mass for local Catholics.
Speaking in Portuguese in a video message sent Friday ahead
of his arrival, Pope Francis said his heart reaches out to embrace all the
people of Mozambique, even though he is “unable to go beyond the capital”.
Some had hoped he might visit areas hit by Cyclone Idai
earlier this year, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life,
especially in the coastal city of Beira. At least 600 people died as the storm
brought massive flooding and high winds.
But Pope Francis did not forget them, saying that his
fraternal embrace extends especially to “those who live in difficult
situations.”
“I would like to leave you with this certainty: you are all
in my prayers. I look forward to meeting you,” he said.
Reconciliation and peace
The Holy Father went on to thank Mozambique’s president and
Catholic bishops for inviting him to visit.
He urged everyone to pray with him for the reconciliation
process underway in the country.
The Pope said “fraternal reconciliation” is needed in
Mozambique and throughout Africa, calling it “the only hope for a solid and
lasting peace.”
The Catholic Church – particularly through the St Egidio
Community –worked tirelessly to help seal a peace deal between warring
factions. The ruling Frelimo party and former guerrilla movement, Renamo,
signed a permanent ceasefire in early August 2019.
More than 1 million people were killed in Mozambique’s civil
war that raged from 1977 until 1992, when a truce was inked, though violence
has flared periodically.
Confirm Catholic community
Pope Francis also made mention of Pope St John Paul II’s
visit in 1988, when the civil war was still raging.
The Holy Father said his journey will allow him to see how
the seed of peace sown by his predecessor is growing.
“This Journey will allow me to meet the Catholic community
and confirm it in its witness to the Gospel,” he said, “which affirms the
dignity of every man and woman and asks us to open our hearts to others,
especially the poor and needy.”
Gratitude for prayers
The Pope closed his greetings to the people of Mozambique by
extending his thanks to those preparing for his visit through their hard work and
prayers.
And he prayed that God might bless the nation’s people and
that the Virgin Mary protect them.
“See you soon!” he said.
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