Pope Francis - first day in Mozambique

Source: Vatican News/BBCWS

This morning, (Thursday) after celebrating Mass in the Apostolic Nunciature of Maputo, Pope Francis met the country's political and civic leaders.

The President of the Republic of Mozambique, Felipe Nyusi admitted in his speech that people of Mozambique have not been able to live together as a family in the past. "We let our differences become too big, forgetting what unites us," he said. President Nyusi went on to recited the Peace Prayer of St Francis. Members of the opposition, Ossufo Momade, President of Renamo, Deviz Simango and other political leaders also attended the historic meeting.

Pope Francis told them in the words of Pope St Paul V: "Courage brings peace! Genuine courage: not the courage of brute force and violence."

From here Pope Francis was taken to the Pavillon Maxaquene for a meeting with young people. At the request of the government, the gathering was not limited to Catholic youth, but welcomed young Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and young people from civil society. The 3,000 strong crowd gave Pope Francis a very warm welcome - with song and dance performances. The country, which is still recovering from the 15 year civil war, which ended in 1992, has massive unemployment and few opportunities for young people. Pope Francis greeted many of them and was visibly touched by their warmth and enthusiasm. In his address he told them they are the future of the country. He asked them if they were ready to turn the page of violence to herald a new era for peace and they replied with a resounding yes - and sang together: "we are young people for peace."

In the afternoon Pope Francis met with Bishops, Priests, Religious and Catechists. During the long war many people had no access to priests and it was the Catechists who nurtured the faith of the people.

Follow the Pope's journey on the Vatican's Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/channel/UC7E-LYc1wivk33iyt5bR5zQ