Francis is scheduled to travel to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic (CAR) – a travel itinerary that has raised eyebrows but also endeared him to the region.
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“There is an ugly word the Lord spoke: “‘Cursed!’ Because He said: “‘Blessed are the peacemakers!’ The men who work war, who make war, are cursed, they are criminals”, Francis said.
Gay activists are hoping Pope Francis will preach tolerance toward homosexuals, and even go so far as to condemn violent attacks against gays during his upcoming visit to Uganda. “There is a clear teaching of the church on homosexuality”.
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis heads to Africa this week for the riskiest trip of his papacy, defying danger with an open-topped popemobile and visits to a slum, refugee camp and mosque despite security fears following jihadist attacks.
The Pope’s statements came as the Vatican marked the start of what has traditionally been a festive season, with the unveiling of a 25-meter Christmas tree delivered to St. Peter’s square from Germany’s Bavaria, former pope Benedict XVI’s homeland. “His teachings are described as very strategic, tackling sensitive issues satirically and consolidating the Catholic church as well as other denominations”, said Infotrak Chief Executive Officer Angela Ambitho. “God weeps and Jesus weeps for those who suffer from war and hate” the pontiff said.
At the UN General Assembly in NY in September, the Pope condemned the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities and the destruction of cultural sites in the Middle East and North Africa.
U.S. President Barack Obama, whose father was Kenyan, likened discrimination against gays to racism, speaking during a visit to Kenya, where about a third of the population is Catholic.
“Pope Francis unites himself in prayer to the pain of bereaved families and the sadness of all Malians”, reads the telegram, which was released by the Holy See Press Office November 22. “The pope, the message that he brings across is to say, ‘You Africans are also equally important'”.
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Pope Francis said he wants to offer “encouragement” and meet with young people, calling them “your greatest resource and our most promising hope for a future of solidarity, peace and progress”.
