Pope Francis: I went to Africa with Message of Hope

Pope Francis spoke about his recently concluded trip to Africa during his weekly general audience in Wednesday.

The full text of the English-language summary is below:

Dear Brothers and Sisters:  My recent Apostolic Journey to Africa brought me to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic with a message of hope in the Risen Jesus.  In Kenya, a country blessed with great human and natural resources, I spoke of the worldwide challenge of protecting the environment and creating equitable, inclusive and sustainable models of development, and the need to form our young in the ways of peace and fraternity.  In Uganda, the land of the Martyrs, I encouraged the Christian community to persevere in its witness of faith and charity, and thus to be a leaven of hope for society as a whole.  In the Central African Republic, a country experiencing internal conflicts and great suffering, I opened the first Holy Door of the Jubilee of Mercy as a sign of hope and strength for its people and for all our brothers and sisters in Africa.  I ask you to join me in commending them and all their aspirations to Jesus, our peace, who is himself the door which opens wide to the merciful love of our heavenly Father.

After the summary was read out, Pope Francis made a special greeting to English-speaking pilgrims attending the Audience.

I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, including those from England, Australia, Korea and the United States of America.  My special greeting goes to the group “Up with People” for sharing with us their music.  Upon you and your families I invoke the Lord’s blessings of joy and peace.  God bless you all!

Source: Vatican Radio