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Pope Francis expressed his great regret at not being able to make his planned trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and South Sudan, postponed last June, due to his recurring health problems.
“The Lord knows how great my regret is for having been forced to postpone this long-awaited and long-awaited visit,” the pope said in a video message released by the Vatican on Saturday, where he also added, “But let us not lose faith and nurture hope.” to meet as soon as possible.”
Already on June 10, the Vatican announced the postponement of the trip, reviving concerns about the pontiff’s health and in April, during a two-day trip to Malta, he seemed weakened by joint problems and had to use a lifting platform to climb and get off the plane
The pope said he thought of the DRC, of the exploitation, violence and insecurity it suffers, especially in the east of the country: “I think of South Sudan, of the cry for peace of its people who, exhausted by violence and poverty awaits concrete facts from the process of national reconciliation. Dear Congolese and South Sudanese friends, words at this time are not enough to convey the closeness I would like to express to you and the affection I feel for you,” Pope Francis said.
In May, Lebanon already announced the postponement of Francis’ visit scheduled for June, alleging “health reasons.” However, the pope confirmed in June that he would travel to Canada from July 24 to 30.
Suffering from severe pain in his right knee, Francisco, who has appeared in a wheelchair since the beginning of May, announced that he was undergoing infiltrations, injections of anti-inflammatory drugs based on corticosteroids. The pontiff also suffers from hip pain that makes him limp and in July 2021 he underwent a colon operation.
with AFP
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