TEXT OF THE ADDRESS

We are happy once more to greet pilgrims from Kenya, and we extend our warm welcome to all of you who make up the National Holy Year Pilgrimage. Just two days ago we welcomed other groups from your country. On that occasion we stated: “You all know our love for your homeland, out deep interest in your people and in your entire continent of Africa”. And again today we express the same solicitude and affection. It is our hope that the Church in Kenya will always be strong in faith, and dynamic and exemplary in Christian living. In particular we pray that there will be many generous young people who will accept the call of Christ to preach his Gospel and to life fully the evangelical counsels. Our thoughts turn likewise to all the people of your land. And upon all of you we invoke in abundance “ God’s own peace which is beyond understanding ” (Phil. 4. 7). God bless Kenya!