The huge crowds and the outpouring of joy that greeted the Pope in Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius not only confirmed that the centre of the Church has shifted away from Europe to the global South, but that his vision of a Church ‘of the poor for the poor’ is coming closer
Three days after Pope Francis announced a new batch of cardinals, choices which embody his vision of a Church ready to leave its comfort zone and stand alongside the forgotten and marginalised, the 82-year-old Pontiff set off on a mission of his own.
Francis’ visit to Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius focussed on the core priorities of his pontificate, a “seamless garment” defence of the poorest and most vulnerable that embraces the protection of the planet. It was aimed at supporting three often forgotten “outsider” churches, in countries that he has chosen to be represented by cardinals during his pontificate.
In this papacy, the periphery has become the centre, and Francis’ visit saw him come face-to-face with the emerging Church, which he hopes will bring “missionary momentum” to the entire body of believers. The massive crowds, including huge numbers of young people, and the outpouring of joy that greeted Francis in all three countries confirmed that the axis has shifted in Catholicism, away from a Euro-centric Church to a global family of faith incorporating a vast array of cultural traditions. The life and energy of the youthful Church of sub-Saharan Africa contrasts with the sometimes grey and stiff Christian communities of the West, where much of the grumbling about this Pope takes place.