Pope departs Uganda for Central African Republic

For nearly three years, the Central African Republic has been embroiled in an inter-religious conflict that has effectively split it in two.

Thousands have been killed and more than one in five have fled internally or sought refuge abroad.

The pontiff’s visit to the former French colony has been welcomed by both the majority Christian community and the Muslim minority.

But the uncertainty of safety for the Catholic leader has left his exact itinerary uncertain.

In Uganda, Francis said Mass for tens of thousands of people and paid tribute to 19th century Christian martyrs killed for their faith.