Pope Francis has urged the people and leaders of Congo and South Sudan to forge new paths of reconciliation, peace and development.
Francis issued a video message on the day he was supposed to begin a week-long pilgrimage to the two African countries which was cancelled due to a knee pain that has made walking and standing difficult.
In the message, the pope said he was greatly disappointed by the turn of events and promised to visit as soon as possible.
He urged the people of both countries to not allow themselves to be robbed of hope, despite the violence, political instability, exploitation and poverty that he said had pained them for so long.
