Pope Visiting Democratic Congo: "God Wants the Courage to Grant Forgiveness"

Pope Francis attends the Mass he presided over at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the 1st (local time) Photo by AP News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Pope Francis, who is visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), called for forgiveness and reconciliation to end the conflict during a large outdoor mass attended by over one million people on the 1st (local time).

At the mass held at Ndolo Airport in Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo, the Pope said, "God wants people to have the courage to grant great-hearted forgiveness to others," adding, "We can wash away the traces of hatred, regret, all grievances, and hostility."

From the night before, Catholic believers from various parts of Africa gathered at the airport where the Pope's mass was held. The crowd participating in the mass is estimated to have exceeded one million. As the Pope's vehicle slowly drove along the airport runway, they danced, sang, and cheered. Some believers showed their respect for the Pope by wearing clothes printed with his photo, and children even climbed onto a discarded airplane to get a better view of the Pope.

Pope Francis waves to the crowd gathered to welcome him at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the 1st (local time).
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

In DR Congo, more than 70 armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), M23 rebels, and the Malaika militia, are active in the mineral-rich eastern region, causing instability and ongoing civilian casualties. According to the United Nations, the armed conflict has created 570,000 refugees and 26 million people are suffering from hunger.

On the 2nd, the Pope is scheduled to give a public speech at Martyrs Stadium targeting Congolese youth and evangelists, and also meet with priests, monks, seminarians, Jesuit members, and bishops.