(ANSA) - Maputo, September 6 - Pope Francis said at a Mass in
Mozambique Friday that corruption should not be tolerated as the
price of aid.
"Mozambique possesses a territory full of natural and
cultural riches, but paradoxically with a huge quantity of
population below the poverty line," he said.
"And at times it seems as though those who come close with
the presumed desire to help, have other interests.
"And it is sad when that happens among brothers from the same
land, who alow themselves to be corrupted.
"It is very dangerous to accept that this should be the price
we must pay for external aid".
Pope Francis left Rome Wednesday for a seven-day African trip
that will take him to Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius.
The Pope arrived in Maputo on Wednesday evening. 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 in Mozambique says no to graft
Sad that brothers from same land fall victim to corruption