Hopes that Africa visit will bring healing

In the first African trip of his papacy, Pope Francis will visit Kenya and Central African Republic – two countries threatened by Islamists – and Uganda, which is marking 50 years since the canonisation of Christian martyrs, writes  Fredrick Nzwili.

Kenyan bishops confirmed the November visit on 28 August and urged Catholics to pray for its success and support the preparations.

In Kenya, Christians are bearing the brunt of Somalia-based Al-Shabaab’s terrorist attacks and Francis’ visit will encourage the Church. In April, Islamists killed 148 Christian students in an attack at the Garissa University College. In September 2013, they attacked and killed 67 people at Nairobi’s Westgate shopping mall.

“It would be a great thing for the Holy Father to confirm the Christians in the face of real threats for their faith,” Bishop Anthony Muheria of Kitui said (full interview at thetablet.co.uk).

Central African Republic bishops hope Francis can help to end two years of violence. The country descended into chaos in March 2013 when predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power, triggering reprisals by Anti-balaka Christian militias.