(ANS – Nairobi) - The apostolic visit of the Pope to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic began yesterday 25 November. Already in his first speeches the Holy Father stressed the importance of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, at a time when barbaric attacks are being made in the name of religion.

The Pope landed yesterday afternoon at the Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi. He paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic and in the evening he spoke with the Kenyan authorities and the diplomatic corps.

This morning he went to the Hall of the Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi for an ecumenical meeting. He began by saying: "Ecumenical and interreligious dialogue is not a luxury. It is not something additional or optional, but it is essential, something which our world, wounded by conflict and division, needs increasingly."

The Pope then mentioned specifically three "barbaric attacks" of religious fundamentalism that have marked the recent history of Kenya, at the Westgate Mall, the Garissa University College and Mandera. "Here I think of the importance of our shared conviction that the God whom we seek to serve is a God of peace. His holy name should never be used to justify hatred and violence," he affirmed.

Later in the course of the morning, the Pope presided at Mass in the campus of the University of Nairobi. He invited the thousands of people present - despite the rain - to defend life and the family from the arrogance that harms human dignity.

"Christian families have this special mission: to radiate the love of God and pour out the life-giving water of his Spirit. This is particularly important today, because we are witnessing the advance of new deserts, created by a culture of selfishness and materialism and indifference to others" he said. "May the great values ​​of the African tradition, the wisdom and truth of God's word and the selfless idealism of your young people  guide you in the task of forming a society that is ever more just, inclusive and respectful of human dignity."

The Pope concluded his homily with an expression in the local language: "Mungu abariki Kenya!" (God bless Kenya).

Published 26/11/2015