Pope Francis began his four-day apostolic visit to Bahrain from November 3 during a five-hour flight from Rome to Bahrain. This is a remarkable trip that makes us think, he said. He is the first pope to visit this small country in the Arabian Peninsula
Pope Francis walking with a cane, he said: “I am very sick!” This is the first time he did not greet each journalist on the flight. "I can't go, but if you can 'go' I'm happy!", he said, giving the journalists a few minutes each.
For several months now, Pope Francis has suffered from knee pain, which he said is worse after physical therapy sessions. He is always accompanied by his personal nurse Massimiliano Strappetti.
“Welcome, welcome Pope Francis to Bahrain! 21 cannon shots celebrate Pope Francis' arrival in Bahrain.
Since April when he hurt his knee, he had to use an electric ladder to get on the plane. As the plane flew over Jordanian airspace, the King of Jordan sent three F-16 fighter jets to escort his plane.
After arriving in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Pope Francis went to the royal palace and spoke to Bahraini civil and political authorities. A speech that will be scrutinized, as the country claims to be open to religions, but Bahrain has been heavily criticized by NGOs for its treatment of chiites in the country.
In the vassal state of Saudi Arabia ruled by the royal sunni family, Pope Francis will attend the closing ceremony of Saturday's interreligious forum, and will meet various representatives of the country's small Catholic community. country. Neighboring Qatar has 80,000 Catholics out of a population of 1.4 million, mostly foreigners coming to work, half of Bahrain's population are foreigners.
Some pictures with journalists on the plane. Journalist Eva Fernández came to greet Pope Francis. He asked: 'What are you giving me today?' 'I give you the doll of mentally ill children made by the nuns in Kinshasa to remind you of the babies waiting for you in the Democratic Republic of the Congo'. The Holy See press office confirmed that he will travel to the Congo in February 2023.
Some pictures with journalists on the plane. Journalist Eva Fernández came to greet Pope Francis. He asked: 'What are you giving me today?' 'I give you the doll of mentally ill children made by the nuns in Kinshasa to remind you of the babies waiting for you in the Democratic Republic of the Congo'. The Holy See press office confirmed that he will travel to the Congo in February 2023.
