The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis will travel to Africa from January 31st to February 5th for his papal journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. 

The Holy Father was to visit the cities of Kinshasa and Goma from July 2 to 5 and Juba, the capital of South Sudan, from July 5th to 7th, 2022. 

However, the director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, reported on June 10th, 2022 that the Holy Father had to postpone the trip to Africa because of health issues. 

Pope Francis also apologized for having had to postpone the trip to Africa. 

“I really feel a great regret for having had to postpone this trip, which I cherish so much. I ask your forgiveness for this. Let us pray together that, with God’s help and medical care, I can be with you as soon as possible. Let us have confidence,” the Pope told the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus prayer on June 12. 2022. 

Celebrations in January 2023 

In addition to Pope Francis’s trip to Africa from January 31 to February 5, 2023, the Vatican reported on the forecast of other upcoming liturgical celebrations presided over by the Holy Father.  

First, Pope Francis will celebrate Holy Mass at the Vatican on January 22 at 9:30 a.m. (local time) on the occasion of Sunday of the Word of God. 

The Holy Father will also preside at the traditional recitation of Vespers in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls on January 25 at 5:30 p.m. to conclude the 56th Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.