01/30/2023 05:35 (act. 01/30/2023 05:35)
The Democratic Republic of Congo has increased security ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to the capital, Kinshasa. In addition to the police and the army, support was also sought from Vatican security forces and the US Federal Police (FBI), said government spokesman Patrick Muyaya of the German Press Agency. Several districts of the capital were cordoned off to protect the pontiff and his delegation.
On the six-day trip to Congo and South Sudan, which starts on Tuesday, the head of the Catholic Church will stop in Kinshasa until Friday. A highlight will be a public fair on Wednesday at N’Dolo military airport. According to the Archbishop of Kinshasa, Fridolin Ambongo, more than a million people are expected to attend the service. Other estimates assume up to two million believers.
The East African country of around 100 million people is shaped by Catholicism, and the church has great influence on political decisions. Particularly in the east of the country in crisis, great hopes are pinned on the Pope’s visit. Violence between rebel groups and the government had recently increased there. According to the UN refugee agency, there are 5.5 million internally displaced people in Congo. During his visit, the Pope also wants to meet with some of the displaced.
After his stay in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the pontiff will travel to South Sudan, where he is expected in the capital Juba from Friday to Sunday.