Pope Francis on Wednesday (November 25) called for ethnic and religious reconcilation at the start of his first tour of Africa, where he will address a fast-growing Catholic population and seek to heal Christian-Muslim divisions.

 

The trip will see the head of the Catholic Church travel to Kenya and Uganda, both victims of Islamist militant attacks, and the Central African Republic, a country torn apart by Muslim-Christian strife.

 

In a speech delivered shortly after arriving in Kenya, the pope said it was important for everyone to work together for reconciliation and peace.

 

"Experience shows that violence, conflict and terrorism feed on fear, mistrust, and the despair born of poverty and frustration. Ultimately, the struggle against these enemies of peace and prosperity must be carried on by men and women who fearlessly believe in, and bear honest witness to, the great spiritual and political values which inspired the birth of the nation."

 

He also called for responsible economic development and to protect nature for future generations.

 

"In effect, there is a clear link between the protection of nature and the building of a just and equitable social order. There can be no renewing of our relationship with nature without a renewing of humanity itself," the pontiff said.

 

The pope was speaking at State House, the official residence of President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is a Catholic along with about 30 percent of Kenya's 45 million people.

 

Kenyatta, who also spoke, welcomed the Pope's historic first visit to the continent.

 

Africa's Catholic Church is expanding quickly, with the number of faithful expected to more than double to half a billion in 2050. Millions of Christians - Catholics and otherwise - are expected to turn out for public celebrations of Masses during the tour, presenting a challenge for national security forces to keep the pontiff and the vast crowds safe.  — Reuters