Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan

Links to Pope Francis' homilies and addresses on his apostolic journey to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan 31 January to 5 February 2023.

On 29 January, Pope Francis announced his upcoming ecumenical peace pilgrimage to South Sudan: "I thank the civil authorities and the local bishops for their invitations and for the preparations they have made for these visits, and I greet with affection those beloved peoples who await me.

"These lands, situated in the centre of the great African continent, have suffered greatly from lengthy conflicts. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially in the east of the country, suffers from armed clashes and exploitation. South Sudan, wracked by years of war, longs for an end to the constant violence that forces many people to be displaced and to live in conditions of great hardship. In South Sudan, I will arrive together with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Together, as brothers, we will make an ecumenical pilgrimage of peace, to entreat God and men to bring an end to the hostilities and for reconciliation. I ask everyone, please, to accompany this Journey with their prayers."


Tuesday, 31 January 2023

ROME - KINSHASA

7:55
Departure by airplane from Rome/Fiumicino International Airport to Kinshasa
15:00
Arrival at Kinshasa “Ndjili” International Airport
15:00
Official Welcome
16:30
Welcome Ceremony at the “Palais de la Nation”
16:45
Courtesy Visit to the President of the Republic in the “Salle Présidentielle” of the “Palais de la Nation”
17:30
Meeting with Authorities, Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps in the garden of the “Palais de la Nation”

Wednesday, 1st February 2023

KINSHASA

9:30
Holy Mass at “Ndolo” Airport
16:30
18:30

Thursday, 2nd February 2023

KINSHASA

9:30
16:30
18:30
Private meeting with Members of the Society of Jesus at the Apostolic Nunciature

Friday, 3rd February 2023

KINSHASA - JUBA

8:30
10:10
Farewell Ceremony at Kinshasa “Ndjili” International Airport
10:40
Departure by airplane from Kinshasa “Ndjili” International Airport to Juba

The Holy Father is making the Journey to South Sudan together with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland

15:00
Arrival at Juba International Airport
15:00
Welcome Ceremony
15:45
Courtesy Visit to the President of the Republic at the Presidential Palace
16:15
Meeting with The Vice-Presidents of the Republic
17:00

Saturday, 4 February 2023

JUBA

9:00
11:00
Private meeting with Members of the Society of Jesus at the Apostolic Nunciature
16:30
18:00
Ecumenical Prayer at “John Garang” Mausoleum

Sunday, 5 February 2023

JUBA - ROME

8:45
Holy Mass at “John Garang” Mausoleum
11:00
Farewell Ceremony at Juba International Airport
11:30
Departure by airplane from Juba International Airport to Rome
17:30
Arrival at Rome Fiumicino International Airport