Francis, who described man-made climate change as an “urgent and compelling” problem in a major document he authored in June, is expected to discuss environmental issues when he visits the Nairobi headquarters of the U.N.’s Environment Program, according to Kenyan newspaper the Daily Nation.
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The November 25-30 tour starts in Kenya and Uganda, which have both seen Islamist militant attacks, before he travels to the Central African Republic, a nation torn by Muslim-Christian strife.
He is due to arrive in Nairobi at about 5 p.m.
Millions of Christians – Catholics and others – are expected to turn out for public celebrations of Mass, presenting a challenge for national security forces to keep the pontiff and the huge crowds safe.
“In this panorama, the Pope’s pilgrimage is much more significant, as he will be on the streets of African cities on an open popemobile without yielding to fear”, said the Vatican Insider journal.
However, security concerns around the trip are high.
Francis is scheduled to use an open-topped popemobile regularly during a trip taking place in the wake of recent jihadist attacks in Paris, Beirut, Egypt and Mali.
Pope Francis will be hosted by an Irish Jesuit who leads the Parish of St. Joseph the Worker, working with the poor and the marginalized.
But there is no guarantee it will happen.
In the capital, Bangui, he will visit a mosque in one of the most risky districts. Religious leaders in auto made a radio broadcast on Tuesday calling for a ceasefire during the pope’s visit.
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Francis is the third pope to visit Africa, a continent which now produces one in six of the world’s Catholics and whose importance to the Church is set to grow significantly over the coming decades.
