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Pope Francis tells war-weary Congolese Catholics: Be a 'conscience of peace'
… his arrival on Jan. 31, when he issued a blistering criticism of world powers that exploit Congo's expansive natural resources, as well as the country's own divided leaders whose … to my grandchildren." According to official Vatican statistics, Catholics make up over half of Congo's population of some 95 million, on a continent where the faith is growing more rapidly …
In Congo, Pope Francis demands world leaders 'stop choking Africa'
… its people of a "future of peace and prosperity." "Hands off the Democratic Republic of the Congo!" Francis declared upon his arrival here in the Congolese capital city of Kinshasa. "Hands … for breath," he lamented. The pope, going off script, added that the Democratic Republic of Congo has suffered a "forgotten genocide." Francis centered his nearly 20-minute remarks around … of the 19th century, European explorers began to seize major swaths of land surrounding the Congo River, claiming an estimated eight to ten million local lives during their conquests. In …
Congo is being 'martyred' for its natural resources. Will Pope Francis challenge the US, China?
… and the United States, during Pope Francis' three-day visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo? Yes — hopefully — according to some of the country's Catholic leaders who are also … Congolese Jesuit Fr. Jacques Nzumbu. "To win the competition, you need these minerals. And Congo is suffering because of this competition." The natural resources in the Congo are nearly … authority is recognized worldwide," and he hopes that his message to countries targeting Congo's resources is "to trade ethically and fairly." "For years countries and multinationals …
Pope Francis' plea for trip to Congo and South Sudan: No more bloodshed
… embarks on the 40th international journey of his papacy, first to the Democratic Republic of Congo and then, alongside the leader of the world's Anglican Communion and the moderator of the … "This is a pilgrimage of peace," he told NCR. "Now is the moment of conversion." … Congo: 'Synthesis of the pope's magisterium' … When Francis sets foot in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital of Kinshasa on Jan. 31, he will arrive in a land rich in natural resources, yet …
Congolese hope pope's visit shines light on brutal conflict in country's east
… Ngala Killian Chimtom … With Pope Francis finally able to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo this week, there are renewed hopes in the country the pope might have an impact in helping reconcile a deeply divided people. Francis is to visit Congo Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 before heading to South Sudan in an African tour that will end Feb. 5. … television as he addressed the crisis in June. "Unfortunately, today, we are where we are … DR Congo's neighbors should not mistake its desire for peace with weakness," he added. "I hope that …
In papal first, Francis backs decriminalization of homosexuality: 'Not a crime'
… Francis, who is set to undertake a demanding Jan. 31-Feb. 5 trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, said that despite continued mobility issues, he is in "good" and "normal" …
To be pastoral, look to the Good Shepherd, pope says
… only for ourselves." At the end of his catechesis, the pope greeted a group of pilgrims from Congo, where he will travel Jan. 31, and asked for prayers for the country. He also remembered …
Pope to confer ministries of lector, catechist at Mass Jan. 22
… good; seek justice," which comes from Isaiah 1:17. The calendar also includes Francis' trip to Congo and South Sudan Jan. 31-Feb. 5, which means he will not celebrate at the Vatican the Feb. 2 …
Vatican agency pays tribute to 18 missionaries killed in 2022
… who was kidnapped and killed July 15. -- Two priests and a religious sister killed in Congo: Adorno Fr. Richard Masivi Kasereka, killed by armed men when he was returning to his …
Papal calendar: 2023 holds important events for Pope Francis
… of "God willing." Several events are already inked in: -- A pastoral visit to violence-torn Congo Jan. 31-Feb. 3, followed by an ecumenical pilgrimage for peace to South Sudan Feb. 3-5 with …