Dialogue between religions essential, says pope on first day of African tour

Francis urged Christians and Muslims to engage in a meaningful dialogue, peace and religious radicalization before attacks 'barbaric', began the first full day of his trip to three countries in Africa.The Pope met a small group of leaders Religions in Nairobi before the Public outdoor mass, attended by about 300,000 people amid rain and security.Religion well can not be used to justify violence, the pope said, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Jewish representatives. 

Too often, young people have been radicalized in the name of religion to sow discord and fear, and tear the very fabric of society, 'the said.How important to be seen as prophets of peace, peacemakers who invite others to live in peace, harmony and mutual respect. 'Francis religious tolerance message will resonate in Kenya, where there were three major attacks in the past two years, Somali Muslim extremist group, al-Shabab. In April, more than 150 students - most of them Christians - the University of Garissa, near the Somali border, were killed. A month earlier, 12 people were killed in attacks in Mandera al-Shabaab countyThe Pope said all three episodes, saying that he knew that the memories are still fresh in people minds.Francis first trip to Africa, also takes visits to Uganda and the Central African Republic, where thousands of people were killed in the conflict, which has strong religious dimension.At meeting with priests, bishops and seminarians who attended a large outdoor air mass in the morning, Francis He made a passionate statement to discipline and integrity within the clergy. After meeting with ululations enthusiastic sisters, priests and students of theology at the high school in the suburbs of Nairobi, he offered a grim warning of the danger of the church as a result of 'ambition of wealth and power.The church is not a business, 'he says. 'There's NGOs. It's a mystery. The mystery of Christ, in front of each us.The there were fears that some priests attracted to the vast resources of the church service, which is a major player in education and health sectors.Francis succumbing to impulse comes in Kenya warned priesthood in order accumulate wealth, and the assembled priests said they were to examine yourself to see if they came into operation, the 'door of Christ, or '.Hundreds Kenyans lined the streets to St. Mary's Catholic School Francis and his father came to the open-Mobile. Sellers enjoy a brisk business selling rosaries statues and portraits of the pope. Previously, he was greeted with a wet University of Nairobi electric reception, where a massive crowd of about 10,000 watched police.The normally sedate Catholic Mass was set aside as first public appearance in the capital of Kenya became Francis a dance festival and singing, sometimes covered by large umbrellas. Members dressed in color, of the 12 choirs performed Swahili and English music gospel with enthusiasm that brought a smile to the Pope and leaders of the group waved vigorously kayamba flat instrument cane, which is popular in East Africa to accompany the hymns. Masai tribe and traditional dancers before pope.Hundreds thousands of Catholics - who make up about a third of the 44 million inhabitants Kenya - traveled to the university to catch a glimpse of the pontiff, with many more lining up at 3 am to give a spot near the opening platform for other reasons, many in the crowd police estimated to be 300,000 soldiers, and then dealing with a large-screen television in several locations around the city, challenging leadership is what Tata rain.This really inspired me, 'said Wambui Gitau, student aged 21 years. 'It gives us hope and shows that, despite numerous challenges and problems that surround us, we can do something to change things.Since landed in Nairobi on Wednesday night, Francis urged religious tolerance and urged leaders to solve the problem of inequality . He also warned that it would be 'catastrophic' for special interests get in the way of a global agreement to reduce emissions of fossil fuels on the climate change meeting in Paris next week. In his speech at the African Nations Headquarters, Francis said the talks in Paris mark a decisive step in developing a new energy system 'dysfunctions and distortions corrected' current development model and combating did poverty.He previously a passionate environmental compliance statement on the continent, making it a low contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is still in effect expected to carry heavy consequences of climate change.We necessary to convey the beauty of nature in its integrity for generations future and their commitment to govern as gifts we have received, 'he said shortly after his arrival. 'These values ​​are deeply rooted in African soul.' However, Francis was limited on social issues, possibly reflecting more conservative views of many on the continent, including the Catholic bishops who insist on traditional church teachings on sexuality, marriage and reproduction .In his homily at the table Thursday It is very assess the strength of the African family, especially what he called a culture of respect for the elderly and love for young people and urged followers to resist the practice, 'Foster arrogance of people hurt or humiliate women and threatens the lives of innocent unborn ' .He also warned against materialism, prejudice and discrimination, stating that the mission of Christian families were 'particularly important today, we see the growth of new deserts and create a culture of materialism, selfishness and indifference of the others.He He appealed to young people 'create a society that is increasingly just, inclusive and respect human dignity. You can always concerned about the needs of the poor, and to reject everything that leads to prejudice and discrimination. 'For many in the crowd, though, symbolism and power of the Pope's presence on the continent minor media attention focused on the selection words.Much Francis humble Honda Fit as a way to transport from the airport, a sharp contrast with German-made limousines stretch Kenya Luxury favored leaders in the country where many live below the poverty line varies Catholic Church is visible line.A held a kind of service. Alarmed by the loss of members of evangelical preachers more charismatic churches, where services are marked energetic dancing and singing, the Catholic Church in Africa has made adjustments and showed a lot of flexibility. The festive atmosphere that marked services at the University reflected that.Crowds take photos on smartphones jostled to catch a glimpse of the pope, perching on the roofs of precarious position to take on the trees near venue.In reception held in the House the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, praised the role of the Catholic Church in their dioceses poor.Through provision in Kenya, the church is the largest private provider of health care, with nearly 500 medical units and more than 50 community shelters and programs for vulnerable children, 'he said.The Pope also received praise to meet Muslim leaders and its call for the religious harmony and cooperation. 'This Pope has gone beyond religious fault line,' Hassan Omar, a senator from Mombasa and a Muslim, told The Associated Press.