Pope Francis Greets Cardinal Alexandre dos Santos during His Apostolic Visit to Mozambique

On his recent apostolic journey in September, Pope Francis visited three countries in Africa, first Mozambique, then Madagascar and finally the Mauritius Islands. On September 4, Mozambique enjoyed the blessing of receiving Pope Francis. It had been 31 years since the last papal visit by Saint Pope John Paul II. The president of the republic, as well as many civil representatives, religious authorities and diplomatic officials were present to warmly welcome the pontiff.

The next day, there was first a meeting held at the Palácio da Ponta Vermelha (official residence of the President of Mozambique) with authorities, civil representatives and diplomatic officials. Afterwards, at the Maxaquene’s Sports Pavilion, an interfaith encounter with young people took place. Finally, there was a meeting at the Maputo Cathedral with bishops, priests, religious, consecrated and seminarians, catechists and animators, at which ceremony Cardinal Dom Alexandre José Maria dos Santos was also present. At the end of the encounter, after greeting the bishops, the pope gave a solemn greeting to Mozambique’s first native Cardinal, founder of the Universidade São Tomás de Moçambique and current member of ICUSTA’s Honor Council.

On September 6, before leaving for Madagascar, Pope Francis celebrated mass at the Zimpeto National Stadium, which lasted for one hour and forty-five minutes. It was a rainy day, but this did not impede the Christian people from attending that beautiful celebration whose message was peacekeeping. After the mass, during his departure procession, the pope went to greet once more Cardinal dos Santos in a gesture of farewell to Mozambique. It was a blessing for the Mozambican people to have received the Holy Father.

Video of Pope Francis’ farewell to Cardinal dos Santos: