Scottish Catholic Observer

Ahead of his trip to Africa this week, Pope Francis condemned the ‘senseless violence’ of last Friday’s terrorist attack on a hotel that killed at least 22 people in Mali, West Africa, and prayed for the ‘conversion of hearts.’

The Pope was ‘appalled by this senseless violence, and ‘strongly condemns it,’ according to a telegram to the Archbishop Jean Zerbo of Bamoko, signed by Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

“The Pope implores God for the conversion of hearts and the gift of peace, and invokes an abundance of Divine blessings on all those affected by this tragedy.”

A total of 22 people were killed in the attack, according to a statement last Sunday by the UN’s Mali mission.

In light of tensions in the region and growing concerns over the Papal visit, Pope Francis also sent a video message to the people of Kenya and Uganda on Monday, saying he is coming ‘as a minister of the Gospel, to proclaim the love of Jesus Christ and His message of reconciliation, forgiveness and peace.’

“We are living at a time when religious believers and persons of good will everywhere, are called to foster mutual understanding and respect, and to support each other as members of our one human family,” the Holy Father says in the video. “For all of us are God’s children. A highlight of my visit will be my meetings with young people.”

The Pope starts his five-day trip across Africa on Wednesday with visits to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic, a visit some  commentators are calling the riskiest trip of his Papacy. In spite of concerns the Holy Father plans to ride in an open-topped Popemobile and visits to a slum, refugee camp and mosque despite security fears following jihadist attacks.

When the Pope arrives in Uganda on Friday, he will celebrate Mass to  commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Canonisation of the Ugandan Martyrs, a gathering expected to attract a  congregation of over 2 million. He will also meet with newly-married couples and more than 100,000 young people from the country.

Pope Francis’s visit to Uganda will ‘revitalise the faith’ of the young Church, one of the country’s leading Catholic clerics has said.

Mgr John Baptist Kauta, secretary general of the Uganda Episcopal Conference,  told Aid to the Church in Need of  how the country’s violent past had prepared the way for a young and hopeful Church to emerge.

“We too are called to witness in one way or another. Our faith must be alive and shown through our good work,” Mgr Kauta said.

“The Pope’s simple life is a beautiful example. He revitalises the people’s faith and reminds us there is always room for improvement.”

—This story ran in full in the November 27 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.