Pope Francis left Rome
Wednesday for a seven-day African trip that will take him to
Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius.
The Pope left Rome on Wednesday morning and will arrive in
Maputo, Mozambique, in the evening, where he will be officially
welcomed. He will spend Thursday and Friday in Maputo.
On Friday afternoon, he will fly to Antananarivo, Madagascar,
where he will stay until Sunday evening.
Monday morning, Pope Francis will travel to Port Louis,
Mauritius, for the conclusion of his Apostolic Journey. He will
return to Rome on Tuesday.
It is the 31st trip of his pontificate.
Pope Francis on Tuesday released a video message for the
people of Mauritius, thanking them for praying and preparing his
9 September Apostolic Visit, Vatican News said.
Pope Francis has dedicated the 31st Apostolic Journey of his
pontificate to Africa.
From 4 to 10 September, he will be travelling to Mozambique,
Madagascar, and Mauritius.
He will make a day-long visit to Mauritius on 9 September,
before flying back to Antananarivo, Madagascar, from where he
will return to Rome the following day.
In his video message released on Tuesday, Pope Francis says
it will be a joy for him to proclaim the Gospel among the people
of Mauritius, "who have distinguished themselves for having been
formed by the coming together of different ethnicities".
He says this allows them to "benefit from the richness of a
variety of cultural and religious traditions."
"The Catholic Church, from its beginnings, is sent to all
peoples, and speaks all of the world's languages," he says, "But
the language of the Gospel - as you know - is love."
The Pope also prays that the Lord will allow him to proclaim
the Gospel to the people of Mauritius, "in such a way that all
may understand and receive it."
Finally, the Holy Father concludes his message asking
everyone to pray for him and for his Apostolic Journey.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
