After Asia, Pope Francis announces first African trip

Pope Francis gestures as he speaks with journalists on his flight back from Manila to Rome, January 19, 2015. — Reuters pic
VATICAN CITY, Jan 20 — Pope Francis announced yesterday he will make his first visit to Africa later this year with stops in Uganda and the restive Central African Republic.

“I think it will be towards the end of the year because of the weather,” the pontiff said aboard the papal plane as he headed back to Rome after a weeklong visit in Asia, where he drew record crowds.

“The trip has been a bit delayed due to Ebola. It’s a great responsibility,” he added.

The Argentinian pope, the first pontiff from Latin America, also confirmed plans to travel to Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay in July. — AFP

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