Tribute to Pope Francis – Prophet of peace on Congolese soil

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By Emmanuel MINGASHANGA MIKOBI
Secretary General, MIIC-RDC

Pope Francis left unforgettable memories of his apostolic visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo from January 31 to February 3, 2023. Expected for over forty years, this visit was seen as a blessing, a consolation, but also a challenge to consciences and to the Church itself.

From the window of our office building, we could see the crowd massing at the junction of Boulevard du 30 juin and Avenue de Libération to welcome him. As his motorcade approached, we all descended, of all denominations, to melt into the crowd to see him, welcome him and, above all, show him our love and sympathy.

His stay, marked by powerful gestures and prophetic words, had deeply touched the hearts of the Congolese people. He brought to the world the suffering cry of the Congolese people, but also their hope rooted in Christ.

A strong message from the outset

In his first address, at the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa, the Holy Father forcefully denounced the unjust exploitation of Africa and its resources. His voice was raised in the name of the weakest:

“Take your hands off the Democratic Republic of Congo! Take your hands off Africa! Africa is not a mine to be exploited or a land to be plundered.[1] »

With this straightforward statement, the Pope reaffirmed the dignity of the Congolese people, often treated as objects of interest rather than subjects of their own destiny.

An unforgettable Eucharist in Ndolo

On February 1, over a million faithful attended the Pope’s mass at Ndolo airport, in an atmosphere of prayer, joy and hope. It’s the only papal event I’ve ever attended.

It was an opportunity not to be missed. We left very early in the morning with my son, to whom I had promised to take him to see the Pope. Although it was very crowded, access to the airport site was easy thanks to the organization in place. When the Pope arrived, the crowd was in an uproar. Attending a mass said by the Pope for the first time was an experience that marked my spiritual life. In his homily, the Pope spoke to wounded hearts, bringing the soothing words of the Gospel: “The Lord says to you: ‘I know your sufferings, I see the wounds you carry within you, I love you and I offer you my peace. [2] ” It was an invitation to welcome Christ as the source of inner reconciliation and peace for the whole country. These words have left a deep impression on me whenever I face a difficulty in the family or at work, and I remember them to reassure me of the Lord’s closeness and his willingness to bring me peace.

His heart goes out to the victims in the East

One of the most moving moments of the Holy Father’s trip was his meeting with the victims of the violence in Eastern DRC. At the Apostolic Nunciature, men, women and children shattered by war gave their testimonies. He listened in silence, with tears in his eyes, before making a symbolic gesture: kissing a cross brought by the victims, a cross laden with pain. And in his address, he expressed this poignant wish:

“May God bless all the efforts for concrete peace in this country and on this continent. [3] »

This silent gesture was one of the most eloquent sermons of the trip: Christ crucified lives today in the battered bodies of these innocents.

A vibrant appeal to youth

At the Martyrs’ Stadium, in front of thousands of jubilant young people, Pope Francis made a bold appeal to active holiness, to commitment to a renewed society, saying:

“Don’t let yourselves be robbed of hope. Refuse corruption, reject mediocrity, pursue great dreams. You are the light of the Congo.[4] »

On that occasion, he reminded us that every young baptized person is a missionary of light, called to build a country where justice, peace and truth have their place.

Prayer with the Church, a call to unity

During meetings with priests, religious and seminarians, the Holy Father encouraged fidelity to Christ, evangelical poverty and vigilance against spiritual worldliness.

And he also took part in an ecumenical meeting, stressing the importance of a united Church, speaking with one voice in a country marked by divisions, stating bluntly that “Authentic Christian witness is born of unity and peace.[5] »

A pilgrim of hope

Pope Francis’ visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo was a historic event: he came to share the suffering, to weep with those who weep, to pray with those who hope, to awaken the conscience of the powerful. Through him, the universal Church embraced the DRC.

In addition to this historic trip, Pope Francis’ constant commitment to peace in the DRC was evident in his calls for prayer, solidarity and concrete action to end the violence and promote reconciliation.

These include

  • The appeal for peace in the Kasai – Angelus of February 19, 2017
  • Prayer Vigil for Peace – November 23, 2017
  • Appeal for peace at mass in Carpi (Italy) – April 2, 2017
  • Video Message to the Congolese – July 2, 2022
  • Call to peace at the General Audience – January 29, 2025

May he be blessed for his courage, his paternal tenderness and his commitment to the poorest of the poor!
May his witness bear fruit, in our hearts and in our nation, as a seed of peace, love and conversion.

Holy Father Francis, the DRC thanks you, blesses you, and may your soul rest in peace.

[1] www.vatican.va/content/francesco/fr/speeches/2023/january/documents/20230131-autorita-repdem-congo.html

[2] www.vatican.va/content/francesco/fr/homilies/2023/documents/20230201-omelia-repdem-congo.html

[3] www.vatican.va/content/francesco/fr/speeches/2023/february/documents/20230201-vittimeest-repdem-congo.html

[4] www.vatican.va/content/francesco/fr/speeches/2023/february/documents/20230202-giovani-catechisti-repdem-congo.html

[5] www.vatican.va/content/francesco/fr/speeches/2023/february/documents/20230202-clero-repdem-congo.html