Pope Francis, trip to Africa concluded: “Christians can change history”
Pope Francis’ trip to Africa has come to an end. After a six-day visit, first to the Democratic Republic of Congo and then to South Sudan, the Pontiff concluded his fortieth international trip, the fourth to African soil where he gave twelve speeches. Bergoglio was welcomed for the farewell ceremony at the international airport of Giuba by the president of the Salva Republic, Kiir Mayardit, with whom he had a brief private conversation. Then he boarded the plane that will take him back to Rome.
Before returning, during the Mass he celebrated at the “John Garang” Mausoleum in Juba, Francis said to the more than 70,000 faithful present: “We Christians, despite being fragile and small, even when our strength seems little to us in front of to the magnitude of the problems and the blind fury of violence, we can make a decisive contribution to changing history”. The Pontiff then explained: “Jesus wants us to make it like salt: a pinch is enough and it dissolves to give a different flavor to the whole”.
“I am grateful to all of you, brothers and sisters who have come here in large numbers from different parts, many traveling many hours if not days”, added Bergoglio speaking to the thousands of people present. The Holy Father thanked for the affection shown and “for your faith, for your patience, for all the good you do and for the efforts you offer to God without getting discouraged, knowing how to go forward”.
