Pope Francis Arrives in DR Congo

Pope Francis has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC as part of a six-day visit to the African continent that includes a trip to South Sudan.

President Felix Tshisekedi, delegates from the government, and the Catholic Church greeted the pontiff, who is in a wheelchair, as he arrived at Ndjili international airport.

Report says he will conduct mass on the outskirts of the capital, Kinshasa, on Wednesday. But a planned visit to the eastern city of Goma has been cancelled for security reasons.

However, he will meet survivors of conflict from the resource-rich eastern region, where dozens of armed groups have operated for decades.

Many Congolese are hoping that a visit from the head of the Catholic Church will bring a message of hope and might boost efforts from the country’s leaders to find lasting solutions for peace.

About 50% of the country’s population is Catholic making it the largest Catholic community in Africa.

Pope Francis will visit South Sudan, another country riven by conflict, later in the week.

BBC/Christopher Ojilere