{UAH} Pope Francis to visit Georgia and Azerbaijani this weekend

After Armenia quite recently Pope Francis is set this coming

Friday ( 30/09/2016 ) to visit two other states that used to form part

of the defunct USSR. He is expected in both Georgia and Azerbaijani

for a visit he has placed under the symbol of ecumenism, reconciliation

and peace. It's going to be an interreligious venture where he will meet

Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, and Moslems. He will stay there for two

days before returning to Rome on October 2nd 2016.

The Pope is eagerly loved in the two countries where the heads of state are

getting ready to receive him very cordially and he will indeed be pleased with
the warmth of his welcome in the two capitals, Tbilissi in Georgia and Bakou

in Azerbaijani. He will preside over Mass in Tbilissi before an anticipated crowd

numbering 35,000 people, a very great turn out given that Georgia counts just a

paltry 1% Roman Catholics compared with 87% Orthodox and 10% Moslems.

In Azerbaijani the Catholic population is also too small where 97% of the entire

population are Moslem. However the very good brotherly spirit of co-operation

has made the region a model to look to in matters of reconciliation and ecumenism.

The Pope is also expected to discuss with the Greek Orthodox leaders issues

affecting various communities in Syria. He will also get into contact with the Moslem leaders to discuss the same situation which very much pre-occupies his feelings.

And during the Wednesday general audience in St Peter's Square yesterday he very firmly condemned the recent bombings in Syria in which dozens including old people and children died! And he asked the assembled 100,000 pilgrims to pray for the victims as well as for peace in the country and the region on the whole.

Pope Francis is loved in all corners of the world and he assembles hundreds of thousands in Rome every Wednesday for his weekly general audinces as well as for the Angelus prayer on Sunday. Last Sunday, following High Mass celebrated in St Peter's Square on the occasion of the Holy Year of Mercy Jubilee for world catechists the Pope recited the Angelus before an estimated 200,000 people assembled in St Peter's Square. He now has many invitations from world leaders including Africa where he may not return again as the Nairobi, Bangui (CAR), and especially Kampala trips confirmed his very great popularity and the very high esteem he enjoys in Africa thanks to his well-received message of love and respect of others. Kampala's millions and millions of people who cheered him are a record that others have to try, perhaps in vain, to beat!!!
Dr G.H. Kkolokolo ( Paris / France )

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