Pope says “regretted” postponed trip to S. Sudan, DRC

June 13, 2022 (VATICAN) – The Roman Catholic Church head, Pope Francis on Sunday said he regretted having had to postpone a trip to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan due to a painful knee.

Speaking to worshippers at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, the Pope said he felt “great sorrow” after canceling a trip initially schedule from July 2-7 on doctors’ advice.

“I want to speak to the people and the authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo and of South Sudan: my dear people, with great sorrow, because of the trouble with my leg, I have had to postpone the visit in your countries which was scheduled for the first days of July. I really feel a great regret to have to postpone this trip which I cared so much about,” the Pope told Vatican News on Sunday.

He added, “I apologise to you for this, let’s pray together so that with the help of God and with medical care I shall visit as soon as possible. We are confident”.

The Pope has reportedly been on a wheelchair for a month due to strained ligaments in his right knee, making his walking and standing difficult and painful.

It is not clear if the Pontiff’s visit to Canada later in July will go ahead as planned.

The Pope was scheduled to visit the DRC’s capital, Kinshasa, city of Goma and Juba.

(ST)