The city of Goma is impatiently awaiting the visit of Cardinal Luis António Tagle, pro-prefect of the dicastery for evangelization, special envoy of Pope Francis. This visit, scheduled for June 12 and 13, 2023, is a strong sign of support and solidarity for war refugees and victims of the recent volcanic eruption. Cardinal Tagle should convey a message of peace, reconciliation and forgiveness.
Initially, the papal visit scheduled for last February had to be canceled due to security concerns. However, the Bishop of Goma, Msgr. Willy Ngumbi, confirmed in a press conference that the security measures for the visit of Cardinal Tagle are guaranteed thanks to the presence of the FARDC, the regional force of the EAC, the Monusco and Wazalendo. The religious authorities are convinced that all believers, including those potentially responsible for threats to the city of Goma, will welcome the message of peace and reconciliation.
For the inhabitants of Goma, the visit is a particularly important event, which testifies to the attachment of the Catholic Church to their city. The news was greeted with great joy and is already raising a lot of expectations. It is therefore with impatience that the population awaits the performance of Cardinal Luis António Tagle in the Mount Carmel church on June 13.
In addition, the city of Goma was recently affected by a volcanic eruption, causing massive population displacements and loss of human life. War refugees, on the other hand, have experienced years of violence and very difficult living conditions. Cardinal Tagle’s visit brings comfort to these people and strengthens their faith in Jesus Christ.
In short, the visit of Cardinal Luis António Tagle is eagerly awaited in Goma, where thousands of Catholic faithful will gather to listen to his message of peace, reconciliation and forgiveness. This is a major event for the people of Goma, and for all Catholic believers in the region.