An estimate of around a million congregation gathered in Kinshasa DRC’s capital including scores of schoolgirls dressed in white who danced along the Pope’s route.
A public holiday was declared, so as many people as possible could attend.
Around half of DR Congo’s population is Catholic and it’s the largest Catholic community in Africa.
It is more than 37 years since a pope last visited the mineral-rich but conflict-ridden country.
Pope Francis was greeted by jubilant scenes at at N’dole airport: “My joy is too huge that I think I am going to cry,” Christella Bola told the Reuters news agency.
Pope Francis during the mass slammed brutal atrocities, which bring shame upon all humanity in eastern DR Congo, after hearing testimony from victims of the conflict in the capital Kinshasa.
“You are enriching yourselves through the illegal exploitation of this country’s goods and through the brutal sacrifice of innocent victims,” Francis said.
The pope then called for mercy from God.
“May he convert the hearts of those who carry out brutal atrocities, which bring shame upon all humanity,” Francis said.
