Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kara (Agenzia Fides) - "Once again, in the eyes of the world, the history of the African continent continues to be written on scores of hatred and violence", said Father Donald Zagore, SMA, to Agenzia Fides with regards to the episodes of xenophobia raging in South Africa.
In this context marked by violence, the fourth visit of Pope Francis to Africa is taking place. "All the Pope's visits to our continent are a seed of hope - continues Fr. Zagore - especially in a reality where the hope of peoples is constantly held hostage by politicians hungry for power and money, sometimes supported by a guilty silence of the religious. Africans are hungry and thirsty for peace".
"The greatest gift that Pope Francis can offer to the African continent is peace, especially the peace that comes from God. Every time the Pope reaches African land, it is a new wind that blows across the continent. The African peoples, constantly inclined to a painful and violent daily life, urgently need to be comforted", he insists.
"Thanks to the Pope's presence, Africa is reborn from the ashes. Every visit of the Pope carries the prophetic message that it is possible to hope for a better tomorrow. The great challenge for Africans remains the ability to materialize all the graces and blessings in daily life that come from these visits of the Holy Father. It is not enough to live the euphoria of the moment and then close oneself up in a daily life without changing anything", says the theologian.
"We are convinced that the meetings between political and religious forces, favored by the visits of the Popes, represent moments of prophetic truth for both of them in their respective duties for the good of the whole continent", the missionary concludes. (DZ/AP) (Agenzia Fides, 6/9/2019)
