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Inside the VaticanSeptember 11, 2019
Pope Francis answers questions from journalists aboard his flight from Antananarivo, Madagascar, to Rome Sept. 10, 2019. At right is Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican Press Office. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

This week’s “Inside the Vatican” is all about Pope Francis’ trip to sub-Saharan Africa. First, Gerry will give us some context on the three nations the pope visited: Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius. What sets these nations apart?

Then, we’ll talk about what Pope Francis’ goals were for this visit: what issues and people he wanted to highlight, and why.

Finally, Gerry and I will unpack the pope’s comments about his critics aboard the papal plane. “I am honored when the Americans attack me,” Pope Francis said on the way to Mozambique. On the return trip, he addressed the possibility of a schism, saying “I am not afraid of schisms. I pray they do not happen.” Fresh off the papal flight, Gerry explains some of the context for these comments, and whether a schism may actually happen.

Links from the show:

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JR Cosgrove
5 years 9 months ago

Why? Not too many Popes generate schisms. What are past schisms?

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