Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Pope Francis will be in the Central African Republic, "the program is confirmed with all its appointments, including a visit to the refugee camp, the mosque and the opening of the Holy Door that will anticipate the start of the Jubilee Africa" confirmed Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, during a briefing of the visit that November 25 to 30 that will bring the Pope to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic.
"I would not say - said Father Lombardi - that the facts in Paris have specifically affected the problems in Central Africa, and Africa in general, where, unfortunately, we violence has been ongoing for some time prior to the Paris attacks which have affected us here as very serious and significant ".
Father Lombardi also confirmed that the Pope will use an open top car in all stages of the trip. Answering another question, he said: "I have not heard that the Vatican has asked for a bulletproof vest for the Pope, and do not believe it, it would seem curious that someone who uses the open top popemobile would then wear a bulletproof vest ".
Asked if it is possible that there could be a last minute decision against the trip, Father Lombardi said that "as every wise person he will evaluate what is happening at that moment. Dr. Giani (head of the Vatican Gendarmerie -ed) will travel a little before the Pope and we hope he will find a good situation. "
During the trip, finally, Francis will deliver speeches in English, French, Spanish and Italian. As a result the Pope will be accompanied by both the Secretary of State and the substitute, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. and Archbishop Angelo Becciu, Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, and Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of Justice and Peace. Cardinal Parolin will not follow, however, the Pope to Central Africa, as will have to go to Paris for the climate conference.