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Pope Francis’ inaugural trip to Africa began. He is kicking off his visit in Kenya before travelling to Uganda and then to the Central African Republic.
Eagerly welcomed in Kenya
Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, and giant crowds welcomed the pope at the Nairobi airport. Kenyans were stunned to see him drive in from the airport in a modest little gray Honda.
“His ride was the kind of car Kenya’s affluent would not even accept in the exclusive membership clubs or the leafy gated communities,” Kenyan newspaper The Standard described.
Kenya has been facing corruption scandals in the government, economic issues, and ethnic tensions. Many are hoping that the papal visit will boost morale in the nation.
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There were some safety concerns
Fearing possible terror attacks, Kenyan authorities tightened up security in anticipation of the visit. The Kenyan government said that up to 10,000 police officers could be deployed during the visit. Francis did not seem concerned and joked that he was more worried about the mosquitoes.
A message of peace
The three African countries the pope is visiting have been victims of terror attacks and religious conflicts. Extremist group Al-Shabaab attacked a Kenyan university in April and killed about 150 people. In 2010, terrorists aligned with the same group carried out an attack in Uganda. And in the Central African Republic, a Muslim rebel group overthrew the president two years ago; ever since, Christian and Muslim militia have carried out attacks. Pope Francis focused on peace –
“All men and women of goodwill are called to work for reconciliation and peace, forgiveness and healing,” he said. He added that conflict and terrorism fed “on fear, mistrust, and the despair born of poverty and frustration.”
The Catholic population is growing in Africa
About 30% of Kenyans – including President Kenyatta – are baptised Catholics. According to Bill O’Keefe, a vice president at Catholic Relief Services, Africa’s Catholic population is growing faster than any other in the world and is expected to grow even larger in the upcoming years.
“The Catholic population there (Africa) has grown by 238% since 1980 and is approaching 200 million. If the current trends continue, 24% of Africans will be Catholic by 2040,” he said.
The pope is working to reach out to the growing Catholic population, but also to promote peace and cooperation among different religious groups.
“He is putting his stamp of support for the work of Catholic, Islamic, and Protestant leaders in the Central African Republic, who have courageously worked together to dampen down interfaith tensions and build social cohesion among communities,” O’Keefe said.
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