Nairobi, 25 May, 2023 / 9:45 pm (ACI Africa).
“Hands off Africa”, Pope Francis’ new book that was released May 22 features key moments of his Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the Ecumenical Pilgrimage of Peace in South Sudan from 31 January to 5 February 2023.
The 152-page book written in Italian, compiles the Holy Father's speeches during his trip to the two African nations earlier this year.
The title of the new book stems from the Holy Father’s first speech in DRC on January 31, where he urged the international community to give the Central African country its autonomy while not turning a blind eye to exploitation and violence.
Pope Francis’ speech noted DRC’s endurance of political exploitation in what he called “economic colonialism,” child labor, and violence.
In a press release issued May 22, the Vatican Publishing House says the new book also contains “various testimonies, including those of the people who were victims of unprecedented violence and armed conflict.”