Why Pope Francis Is Visiting an Active War Zone

Archbishop Franco Coppola, Pope Francis’ ambassador to the Central African Republic, will host the Holy Father for his 26-hour visit to Bangui on November 29. During his short stay, Pope Francis will visit a refugee camp, talk with government leaders, confer with bishops and evangelical communities, celebrate mass and meet with the Muslim community at a mosque.

 

The Pope’s visit—during Pope Francis’ first-ever trip to Africa—follows stops in Kenya and Uganda and will be the Pope’s first to an active war zone. It comes weeks before CAR’s scheduled national elections, which have been repeatedly postponed as the country that has been rocked by religious and political conflict.

 

Read More: Why Pope Francis Is Visiting an Active War Zone | TIME