"In two days I will depart on an Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. I thank the civil authorities and local Bishops for their invitations... and I greet with affection those beloved peoples who await me." #PopeFrancis  #Angelus  #PopeInAfrica 

Pope Francis reflects on the first Beatitude and says that being “poor in spirit” requires us to welcome everything as God’s gift and strive against society’s throwaway mentality. #angelus 

As #PopeFrancis  prepares to visit #DRCongo  and #SouthSudan , Miklos Gosztonyi, a humanitarian expert, says the Pope’s presence will trigger a conversion of hearts in the political leaders and respect for their people. #PopeInAfrica 

"The poor in spirit are those who know they cannot rely on themselves, that they are not self-sufficient, and they live as 'beggars before God'. They feel their need for Him and recognize the good that comes from Him as a gift, as a grace." #PopeFrancis  #Angelus 

"I offer you three challenges against the throw-away mentality: not wasting the gift that we are... not wasting the gifts we have... not wasting people." #PopeFrancis  #Angelus 

Sr Leticia Salazar, Chancellor of the Diocese of San Bernardino in the US state of California, says the ongoing Synodal process she has participated in has “transformed” her. #Synod2023