Tensions with neighboring Rwanda are high and Congo is due to hold presidential and parliamentary elections at the end of the year.
Francis pauses after every few sentences, so that his Italian can be translated to French. His audience listen in silence but breaks out in applause when the pope bids them farewell in the local language of Lingala.The pontiff's tone on Wednesday differed greatly from the night before. After his arrival in the presidential gardens, Francis addressed an audience of top level politicians, civil society agents and ambassadors.
Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi, seated next to the pope, said"...not just armed groups but also foreign powers are exploiting the resources of our soil".During the Mass at the airport, Tshisekedi watches from underneath a gazebo. In the sun nearby, secretaries, military officials and prominent opposition figure Martin Fayulu are present too.
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Source: BBCAfrica - 🏆 23. / 61 Read more »
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