Pope Francis expresses his “great regret” for not being able to go to Africa

Pope Francis expressed his opinionbig regret” unable to make his trip this Saturday, originally scheduled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, which was postponed to June. sine die due to knee pain.

“Lord knows how great is my regret at having to postpone this much desired and expected visit.the Pope said in a video message broadcast by the Vatican on Saturday. “But let’s not lose faith and hope that we will meet again soon.“.

He continues with words for each of the two countries he was to visit.I think of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the exploitation, violence and insecurity it endures, especially in the east of the country, where armed conflict continues, causing untold and dramatic suffering, exacerbated by the indifference and complacency of many.“.

“And I think of South Sudan, of the cry for peace of its people, who, exhausted by violence and poverty, are waiting for concrete facts from the process of national reconciliation that I want to contribute to.“. “Dear friends of Congo and South Sudan, words are not enough at this moment to convey to you the closeness I would like to express to you and the affection I feel for you.he says again.

Travel to Canada is confirmed

On June 10, the Vatican announced the postponement of this trip, rekindling concerns about the Pope’s health. During a two-day trip to Malta in early April, he appeared weakened by joint problems and had to use a lifting platform to get on and off the plane.

And in May, Lebanon already announced the postponement of the Pope’s visit scheduled for June, citing “health reasons“. But this is the first time that the Vatican announces the postponement of a foreign trip for such reasons. The Pope, however, confirmed in June that he will indeed travel to Canada from July 24 to 30.

The Argentinian pope, who has been in a wheelchair since the beginning of May, suffering from severe pain in his right knee, announced that he was being infiltrated and injected with anti-inflammatory drugs based on corticosteroids. The sovereign pontiff also suffers from hip pain that causes him to limp and undergo a delicate colon surgery in July 2021.