Pope: May God consolidate reconciliation in Mozambique and throughout Africa

Francis sends a video message to the people of Mozambique, the first stage of the journey that from September 4 to 10 will also see him in Madagascar and Mauritius.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - May God "consolidate reconciliation, fraternal reconciliation in Mozambique and throughout Africa, the only hope for a solid and lasting peace," says Pope Francis in a video message to the people of Mozambique, the first stage of the journey that from 4 to 10 September will also see him in Madagascar and Mauritius.

Released today, in teh video the Pope says: "In a few days my visit to your country will begin and, even if I cannot go beyond the capital, my heart reaches out to and embraces all of you, with a special place for those who live in difficulty. I would like to leave you with this certainty: you are all in my prayers. I can not wait to see you".

"Just as I welcomed (and I thank you!) the invitation of the President and my brother Bishops to come to you, so I invite you all to join in my prayer so that God, Father of all, may consolidate reconciliation, fraternal reconciliation in Mozambique and all over Africa, the only hope for a solid and lasting peace ".

“I will have the joy of sharing these beliefs directly with you and also of seeing how the seeds sown by my predecessor Saint John Paul II grow. This journey will allow me to meet the Catholic community and confirm it in its testimony of the Gospel, which teaches the dignity of every man and woman and asks us to open our hearts to others, especially the poor and needy ".

"Dear brothers and friends, I know that many of you are working to prepare for my visit, also in offering your prayers, and I thank you with all my heart. I invoke upon you and your country the blessings of God and the protection of our Mother, the Virgin Mary. See you soon!".