With the Cancellation of Pope Francis’ Trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, the Vatican will send Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See
Newsroom (28/06/2022 7:30, Gaudium Press) Following the cancellation of the Holy Father’s trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, Pope Francis has decided to send Cardinal Pietro Parolin on a visit to the African countries.
The announcement of the trip by the Vatican secretary of state was made last Monday, June 27, by the Holy See press office.
Cardinal Parolin will visit the two countries’ capitals on July 1 and July 8. Pope Francis himself was supposed to visit the African countries from July 2 to July 7, but had to cancel the trip due to knee problems.
Statement from the Bishops of Congo
The Bishops’ Conference of Congo explained in a communiqué: “That the visit of the Secretary of State, does not replace the visit of Pope Francis, which has only been postponed.
The Bishops’ Conference affirms that the sending of Cardinal Parolin is a sign of the Pope’s consideration for the Congolese people.
In addition, the bishops of Congo urge the faithful to participate in the Masses organized in each diocese on July 3.
Prayer request for a forthcoming trip
On July 3, the Pope will preside a Mass in the Vatican, instead of celebrating in the Congolese capital of Kinshasa, as planned for the apostolic trip.
The Congolese bishops are awaiting news of a new date for the Pope’s trip, but welcome the trip to Canada as it is “a sign of the positive evolution of the care he is taking.”
The statement ends by urging the faithful to pray that the Church in Congo will soon know the joy of receiving the Vicar of Christ.
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Compiled by Florence MacDonald
