The 85-year-old pope told participants in the international missionary society’s general chapter that he hoped to be able to make the trip at another time.
“Unfortunately, with great regret, I had to postpone the trip to Congo and South Sudan,” he said.
“Indeed, at my age, it is not so easy to go on a mission trip! But your prayers and example give me courage, and I am confident that I can visit these peoples, whom I carry in my heart.”
Pope Francis was planning to spend July 2-5 in the Congolese cities of Kinshasa and Goma, and July 5-7 in the South Sudanese capital Juba.
The Vatican announced on June 10 that due to treatment for his knee pain, the journey had to be delayed.
Speaking after the Angelus on June 12, the pope promised to reschedule the visit “as soon as possible.”
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