Pope Francis condemns ‘colonialist mentality’ towards Africa ahead of DRC visit

Pope Francis has condemned a “colonialist mentality” of the international community toward Africa in an exclusive interview with the Associated Press at the Vatican, just days ahead of his official visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan.

Highlighting the problem of attitude toward the African continent, Francis pointed out in the interview that “there is a historical, geographical reality. In Italian it is said ‘Africa va fruttata’, that is, Africa is meant to be exploited. And that is a kind of colonialist mentality that remains.” “A kind of colonialist mentality…remains,” Francis said, adding “that is a problem of our attitude and of not yet (having the) courage of total independence on their part.” Talking about the “internal wars” afflicting the continent, Francis pointed out that “Africa is in turmoil” and it “is also suffering from the invasion of exploiters.”

On the first day of his visit, the Pope will hold a meeting with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps in the Garden of the Nation Palace. On the second day, Francis will lead Mass at the Ndolo airport in Kinshasa and then meet with victims of the east of the country. This trip was initially planned for July 2022 but was postponed. The new schedule excludes North Kivu region where the Pope initially planned a visit, and which is currently facing renewed conflict. While he won’t be going to Goma, Francis will meet with some residents from the east and victims of the conflict in Kinshasa. In early January Francis had sent his condolences to the victims of a bombing on a Pentecostal church in eastern DRC for which Islamic militants claimed responsibility.