Pope Francis made a historic trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo in February 2023. He had been delayed from going previously to the DRC because of violence and civil unrest in the region. During his time in this country, over 1 million people came to a Catholic Mass that Pope Francis conducted. The Pope took time to pray, encourage, and listen to the horrific stories of abuse and violence. He told the world get your hands off of Africa! He preached that it is time to stop selfishness, exploitation, abuse, and violence toward one another. One of the highlights during this revival was when Pope Francis stressed the vital importance of forgiveness toward your enemies! The Pope called the violence and that part of Africa the forgotten genocide. The visit by the Pope has revived and awakened the people in the DRC and opened the eyes of the world toward the tragedies that are taking place in that region. The effects are still being felt in Africa and across the globe!
Acts 8:1 And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
Acts 8:2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.
Acts 8:3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.
Acts 8:4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
Acts 8:5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.
Acts 8:6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.
Acts 8:7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.
Acts 8:8 So there was great joy in that city.
