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In Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Christian devotees flock to makeshift stalls on church grounds to buy T-shirts and wax tissues adorned with Pope Francis’ image ahead of his visit. I’m here.
The Pope’s souvenirs have become hot sellers ahead of the four-day trip that begins on January 31st.
Justin Marie Bayara said proudly.
Emmanuel Wemo another client said, “I bought this calendar. I am happy to have the Pope’s portrait in my home. It is a great blessing for me and my children.”
Many in the Democratic Republic of the Congo see the pope’s visit as an opportunity to defuse tensions in the east, where M23 rebels have launched a new uprising since last year, causing a humanitarian crisis.
More than one million worshipers are expected to attend the Open Air Mass at Kinshasa’s Ndoro Airport on February 1.
“The message I expect from His Holiness is a message of peace, because lately the Democratic Republic of the Congo is suffering everywhere,” insisted Elisabeth Akwete.
Pope Francis was scheduled to arrive in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in July last year, but was postponed due to health concerns.
In Kinshasa, banners and signs already hang on buildings welcoming the Pope. His visit is the first papal visit since Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1985.
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