Pope Francis in Nairobi on first-ever African visit

25 novembre 2015

2 min di lettura

(AGI) Nov 25 - Pope Francis has arrived in Nairobi on his firstever visit to Africa. He closed a speech to the Kenyanauthorities and the Italian diplomatic corps with the words"Mungu abariki Kenya!", which means God Bless Kenya. "Kenya isa young and vibrant nation", said Pope Francis. "A richlydiverse society which plays a significant role in the region.Yours too is a nation of young people. I look forward tomeeting many of them, speaking with them, and encouraging theirhopes and aspirations for the future." Kenya's President UhuruKenyatta, received the Pope at the State House in Nairobi onWednesday afternoon, asking him to support the country alongits road to democracy. He told the Pope his presence bolsteredthe country's efforts to combat corruption and terrorism. Italso strengthened attempts towards unity and comprehensionbetween the ethnic groups, races and nations, which weresparked by a deep-rooted desire for dignity after years spenton the "wrong paths", amongst which Mr Kenyatta citedcolonialism. In his speech at the State House, the Pope saidthat "experience shows that violence, conflict and terrorismfeed on fear, mistrust, and the despair born of poverty andfrustration. Ultimately, the struggle against these enemies ofpeace and prosperity must be carried on by men and women whofearlessly believe in, and bear honest witness to, the greatspiritual and political values which inspired the birth of thenation." The other salient key issue since his arrival inAfrica has been that of the environment, put at risk bymankind: "The grave environmental crisis facing our worlddemands an ever greater sensitivity to the relationship betweenhuman beings and nature. In effect, there is a clear linkbetween the protection of nature and the building of a just andequitable social order. There can be no renewal of ourrelationship with nature, without a renewal of humanityitself", he said referring to his encyclical Laudato Si. PopeFrancis and Mr Kenyatta planted an olive tree in the garden ofthe presidential residence, where the welcome ceremony tookplace. After the national anthems, military honours and apresentation of their respective delegations, the Pope and MrKenyatta had a short talk, after which the pontiff signed theGolden Book. (AGI). .