The city of Goma is preparing to welcome an important figure of Catholicism: Cardinal Luis António Tagle, envoy of Pope Francis to the Dicastery for Evangelization. This visit was originally scheduled for last February but was canceled for security reasons. Today, all necessary security measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the Cardinal and the inhabitants of Goma during this visit, which aims to bring a message of peace, reconciliation and forgiveness.
The cardinal’s message will also be addressed to war refugees, victims of the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano, as well as to all the Congolese people. The inhabitants of Goma are called to come and listen to his words at the Mont Carmel church on June 13, for a meeting rich in spirituality.
This visit comes in a particular context for the DRC. Indeed, the country has not been spared from violence and political instability in recent years. This led to numerous displacements of populations and had a strong impact on the living conditions of the Congolese. Moreover, the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano left behind a large number of victims.
The visit of Cardinal Luis António Tagle testifies to the support of the Catholic Church for the Congolese people in these difficult times and illustrates the importance of spirituality and solidarity in the resolution of crises.
In summary, this visit is an opportunity for the inhabitants of Goma to receive a message of hope and peace, as well as to feel that the world is united in the face of their pain. It is also a call to reflect on the values of our society and on the importance of spirituality in the daily life of everyone.