Pope Francis hosted a Mass before an estimated 1 million people in Congo. Francis urged the people to forgive those who have harmed them.
urged Congo's people on Wednesday to forgive those who have harmed them as he presided over a Mass before an estimated 1 million people in a country wracked by decades of violence.
The crowd cheered wildly when Francis began a languid loop around the airfields in his open-sided popemobile, as some people ran alongside or waved flags. Many women wore dresses and skirts made of pagne, a wax print fabric, featuring images of Francis or other religious symbols. The crowd cheered again when the Argentine pope greeted them in Lingala, one of four national languages of Congo that is widely spoken in the capital, Kinshasa. And they listened attentively as he urged them in his homily to open their hearts to forgiveness, citing the example of Christ who forgave those who betrayed him."He showed them his wounds because forgiveness is born from wounds," Francis said.
"What great good it does us to cleanse our hearts of anger and remorse, of every trace of resentment and hostility!" he said.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pope Francis Pursues Quest for Peace in Congo, South SudanPope Francis is visiting South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo—two conflict-torn countries where the Catholic Church exercises outsize influence
Read more »
Pope Francis is in Democratic Republic of Congo, its first papal visit since 1985Pope Francis has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo on a hugely anticipated trip, followed by a visit to South Sudan. Africa is the fastest-growing location for the Church, with more than 200 million worshippers.
Read more »
Pope Francis is in Democratic Republic of Congo, its first papal visit since 1985Pope Francis' trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan will highlight the long-running conflicts in both countries and the rising importance of Africa to the future of the Catholic Church.
Read more »
Pope Francis taps Chicago native Robert Francis Prevost to lead bishops’ office in PeruPope Francis on Monday named an American-born missionary in Peru, Bishop Robert Francis Prevost, to take over the Vatican’s powerful bishops’ office from the retiring Canadian who has recently been accused of sexual misconduct.
Read more »