"The Pope's visit to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic is intended to send the message that the Church in Africa is important; that it has a crucial role to play in promoting justice and peace in societies where governments are not always accountable or responsive. I know he plans to spend considerable time with people 'on the margins' in each of the countries he visits, reinforcing his view that the leaders of the Church in these countries must be close to those who suffer the most and never allow privileges and perks to distance them from those in most need. I expect that the Pope will call attention to the scandal of a world where many people lack the basics while others have much more then they need. He will call attention to the gap between the way the world is and the way God intends it to be.The visit is important for Catholics and non-Catholics alike in each of these three countries. Like in other parts of the world, people have come to really love this Pope for his simplicity and plain-spoken approach. I think he represents a style of servant leadership that many would like to see more of among their local religious and political leaders."
Father Dowd is available for further comment at 574-631-4454 or [email protected]
RSS