Pope Francis is in Africa for his maiden visit to these vast continent. Pope Francis chose to make his first stop in Nairobi, Kenya. A choice that saw the country so excited to receive the special guest.Plans to host him have been going on for months. Both the government and the church have been working tirelessly to make the pontiff’s visit a success.
Pope Francis’s three days in Kenya were packed with lots of meetings and activities. He attended an inter religious dialogue where he called on other religious leaders to work for peace. Pope Francis celebrated a special mass for the country at Nairobi University;a mass that was attended by thousands of Christians. He visited the poor who live in the slums of Kangemi, Nairobi and in another event,he addressed dignitaries on climate change and environmental issues at UNEP headquarters in Nairobi .
On the last day of his visit , Pope Francis wowed thousands of young gathered in Kasarani stadium.This was their opportunity to tell the Pope about the challenges they face from tribalism, discrimination and radicalization to peer pressure.Here Pope Francis spoke off the cuff.He spoke passionately,honestly and was even a little confrontational about these issues. It was more of a counselling session. He left them with the message that corruption is an evil they need to eradicate from their society.
But for most of us ,the best part was when the pope met with the clergy,religious and the seminarians. Putting aside his prepared text, the Holy Father spoke of the joy of a life of radical service to the Gospel and of the radical faithfulness to Christ that is the guarantee of happiness and success in ordained ministry and consecrated discipleship.More than 8000 persons were at this event. Among the audience were the School Sisters of Notre Dame who even got some great shots of this great man.
While explaining what it means to be called; Pope Francis explained to the Bishops, priests, brothers and nuns that one must live like someone who has been chosen by Christ himself.
An official transcript of the Pope Francis’ extemporaneous remarks is being prepared. In the meantime, News.va has a video of the Holy Father’s address, with side-by-side English translation provided by the Pope’s interpreter, Msgr. Mark Miles.
School Sisters of Notre Dame - Africa 