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Cardinal Pietro Parolin has traveled to the DRC and South Sudan on behalf of the Pope

“It’s an important trip,” says Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who left for the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan on July 1.

Inese Steinert – Vatican City

In an interview at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, before boarding the plane to Kinshasa, the cardinal expressed his joy at being entrusted with confirming the Pope’s closeness, as well as saying that as soon as it is possible, especially for health reasons, Francis will make such a visit himself.

The main purpose of the papal representative’s visit is to celebrate Holy Masses on July 3 in Kinshasa and July 7 in Juba. Cardinal Parolin will also visit the war-torn camps in Bentiu and the disabled children’s center in Usratun, South Sudan. He will meet with the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jean-Michel Sam Lukandi, and will participate in the signing of special agreements between the Congolese Bishops’ Conference and the government. A meeting with the country’s president Felix Tshisekedi is also planned.

On July 4, Cardinal Parolin will go to Juba in South Sudan, where he is scheduled to meet with President Salva Kiir Mayjardita and Vice President Riek Machar, as well as the bishops of that country. On July 5, he will meet with UN representatives. On July 7, the Vatican Secretary of State will celebrate Holy Mass, as well as consecrate the foundation stone of a new nunciature building in Juba and meet with priests and religious. The visit will end with a visit to the Catholic University and the center for disabled children. It is planned to return to Rome in the afternoon of July 9.

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