Pope Francis encourages faith leaders of Central African Republic ahead of meeting with Obama

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday met a group of representatives of the “Platform of religious for peace” from the Central African Republic (CAR) following the General Audience. Those present included the Catholic Archbishop of Bangui, Dieudonné Nzapalainga; the President of the Evangelical Churches, pastor Nicolas Grékoyamé-Gbangou, and the Imam of Bangui, Oumar Kobine Layama. The three religious have actively been engaging the international community to promote peace in CAR.

Pope Francis encouraged them to remain united and close to their communities, and to continue to work together to combat attempts of division. He assured them that he will speak about the Central African Republic in his audience tomorrow in the Vatican with U.S. President Barack Obama.

Ahead of the General Audience, the three religious leaders were received by Secretary of State Caradinal Pietro Parolin.