Receiving members of the organization “Doctors with Africa” (CUAMM) at the Vatican, the Pope made clear the need to stand with Africa and his decision to visit South Sudan next year.
Monsignor Joji Vadakara, Vatican City
On November 19, the Pope welcomed the members of the “Doctors with Africa” organization, which started in Padua, Italy, to bring medical aid to Africa and to prepare opportunities for volunteer work in various African countries.
The Pope said that thinking with Africa is better than thinking for Africa. Rejecting the wrong idea that Africa is a place to be exploited, the Holy Father clarified that the attitude of the group members to stand with Africa and thereby work for Africa is correct. Africa has a huge intellectual capital, Pope said, adding to a Zoom meeting with university students from Africa last month.
Speaking about his trip to Central Africa in 2015, the Pope also announced his decision to visit South Sudan early next year. The Pope said that many African countries, often poor and weak, are considered by the world only because of the resources to be exploited from them, but God considers their people as his beloved and sends good Samaritans like the members of the organization “Doctors with Africa” as witnesses of his gospel. The Pope called upon the doctors to bravely face the challenges they face there and help in remote areas where treatment is not available.
The Pope received about 7,000 people at the Vatican, including doctors and volunteers from the “Doctors with Africa” organization.