papal trip to Congo and South Sudan

In what is called the Ecumenical Pilgrimage of Peace Feb. 3-5, Pope Francis will visit South Sudan’s capital, Juba.

After flying across the equator, Pope Francis was welcomed warmly — in every sense — to Congo where Catholics make up the majority of the population.

“I did not come on my own behalf but rather to bring you Pope Francis’ affection,” the Vatican secretary of state told Catholics at a parish in Juba, South Sudan, July 7.

Pope Francis, who was supposed to visit Congo July 2-5 before going to South Sudan July 5-7 on an ecumenical pilgrimage of peace with the Anglican and Presbyterian leaders, released a video message July 2 to the people of both Congo and South Sudan.

Although he postponed his own trip to Congo and South Sudan, Pope Francis has asked Cardinal Pietro Parolin, his secretary of state, to visit the two countries July 1-8, the Vatican press office said.

Pope Francis was scheduled to visit Congo July 2-5 and South Sudan July 5-7. However, the Vatican postponed the trip due to his knee ailment.

Pope Francis has postponed his planned trip to Congo and South Sudan July 2-7, said the Vatican press office.

Here is the schedule released by the Vatican May 28.