News in DR Congo: Cardinal Luis António Tagle soon to visit Goma
Cardinal Luis António Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for the Evangelization of the Catholic Church, will be visiting Goma on June 12 and 13, 2023. This is a highly anticipated visit since it follows that of the Holy Father, which had been postponed for security reasons. This trip of the Cardinal to Goma aims to support the population of the city which has recently experienced a volcanic eruption and which is regularly confronted with the effects of war.
Cardinal Tagle is expected to bring a message of peace, reconciliation and forgiveness to war refugees, victims of the recent eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano as well as to all the people of God. He will lead a mass on June 13 at Mount Carmel Church, during which he will insist on these fundamental values of the Catholic Church.
The Congolese government and the religious authorities of Goma have taken security measures to guarantee the smooth running of this visit despite the security threats hanging over the city. Members of the Congolese armed forces as well as soldiers from the regional forces of the EAC and MONUSCO will be mobilized to ensure the security of the city at the time of Cardinal Tagle’s visit.
During a press briefing held by the Bishop of Goma, Mgr. Willy Ngumb, the latter called on the inhabitants of the city to come in large numbers to attend this historic visit by the Pope’s representative. Indeed, the visit of Cardinal Tagle is an opportunity for the Catholic community of Goma to show its support for the Church and to receive the comfort of the Pope’s representative.
Cardinal Tagle’s visit to Goma will therefore be highly anticipated and will have a significant impact on the city’s Catholic community. It will also strengthen the ties between the Catholic Church and the Congolese authorities and show their common determination to work for peace, reconciliation and development in the DR Congo.