Pope prays for reconciliation process ahead of Mozambique visit
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.
