Pope prays for Eswatini, announces Budapest-Slovakia trip

Crowds in St Peter's Square

Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis prayed for Eswatini at the end of the Sunday Angelus. The country, formerly know as Swaziland, which is ruled by the last absolute monarch in Africa, has been torn by unrest and violence as the authorities staged a brutal clampdown on demonstrators appealing for democracy. the Holy Father called on those in authority and those aspiring for the future of their country to work together for "dialogue, reconciliation and a peaceful settlement" to their differences.

The Pope also said he was pleased to announce his journey from September 12 to 15 to Slovakia for a pastoral visit. The trip begins first with a visit to the Hungarian capital of Budapest. There he will concelebrate the concluding Mass of the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress. He expressed his gratitude to all those organizing and preparing the journey, offering his prayers for them and inviting everyone to do the same.

The President of the Slovak Bishops Conference, Archbishop Stanislav Zvolenský has expressed his delight at the news.

In a statement, he said it was "especially joyful news." The Archbishop also recalled the visit of his predecessor Saint John Paul II to Slovakia. "Once again we can say that the successor of the apostles, now Pope Francis, will come to Slovakia," he said.

Archbishop Zvolensky, noted the news "also comes in connection with the solemnity of our saints Cyril and Methodius, heralds of the faith. It was they who taught us respect for the Pope. And now we will be able to welcome the successor of the Apostle Peter back to Slovakia, to receive him among us."

I ask everyone to start preparing internally to be able to listen well to the message of Pope Francis. This visit is a message of sensitivity to those who suffer, those who are on the margins of society, those who are in need, both in the material and spiritual spheres. Then there is his great concern for the good of the family, his great sensitivity to the needs of young people."

Archbishop Zvolenský concluded by saying that "these themes will certainly be part of Pope Francis' visit to Slovakia. I think we can expect a great spiritual strengthening."