Pope Francis urges Congolese youth to work towards a better future

Pope Francis, seated on a wheelchair, waives as he leaves after a meeting with young people and catechists at Martyrs' Stadium in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on February 2, 2023. AFP - GUERCHOM NDEBO

In a speech to tens of thousands of young people in a stadium in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday, Pope Francis urged them to work towards a better future and reject corruption. The Roman Catholic leader is touring the DRC and South Sudan to deliver a message of "peace and reconciliation".

People had been gathering at Martyrs' stadium in Kinshasa overnight, and organisers estimated 65,000 were there Thursday to welcome Pope Francis, who arrived on his popemobile, offering blessings