Cardinal Parolin has already returned from his trip to southern Africa, where he visited two countries for different reasons. He was in South Sudan to promote the peace process and to be close to those affected by natural disasters.
He was also in Angola to attend the ordination of the first Angolan nuncio, appointed by Pope Francis on June 16 as representative of the Vatican in Pakistan.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
I came here because this ordination has a special relationship with Rome because the bishop getting ordained is the Pope's representative. As I said, he is the first representative of the Pope to come from this country.
Although Parolin has been to Africa on several occasions, this is the first time he has traveled to Angola. Here, he was welcomed with traditional songs and dances.
Upon his arrival at the nunciature, Cardinal Parolin said the Our Father before going to the chapel to pray. When asked about a possible papal trip to Angola, this was the answer given by the Vatican's Secretary of State.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
Who knows, who knows. I am not a prophet. So, I cannot predict. I believe that the Pope is very interested in a trip to Angola. There has already been talk of a possibility that he might be here on a future trip to Africa. I really wish, with all my heart, that the Pope could come here and spend time with you for a few days, but I cannot say anything about the time or the moment.
Cardinal Parolin was in Angola from Aug. 11-13 and then in South Sudan from Aug. 14-17, where Pope Francis traveled to in February.
CA
TR: AT
