Vatican City: Pope Francis has said he is "greatly disappointed" that he cannot make a planned visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan on Saturday due to knee pain.

"The Lord knows how greatly disappointed I am to have had to postpone this long-awaited and much-desired visit," the pope said in a video message released by the Vatican on Saturday. "But we remain confident and hopeful that we shall be able to meet as soon as possible."

The 85-year-old pontiff suffers chronic arthritis in his knee and has canceled a string of events in recent months. He has sent Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin in his stead until he can make the journey himself.

On the same day, he was scheduled to begin his Apostolic Journey, Pope Francis sent his greetings to the people of South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Pope Francis apologize profusely for not being able to visit at the moment and encouraged their hope in God.

Pope Francis told the people of DRC and South Sudan that he has thought of them more than ever in recent weeks, especially for the “sufferings you have endured for far, far too long.”

He turned his thoughts first to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Pope lamented the “exploitation, violence, and insecurity you suffer, particularly in the east of the country, where armed clashes continue, causing countless and dramatic sufferings, exacerbated by the indifference and self-interest of so many.”

Turning to South Sudan, the Pope took note of the “cry for peace” and the many people who are “tired of violence and poverty and await concrete results from the process of national reconciliation”.

He said he wishes to contribute to that process through an “ecumenical pilgrimage together with my two dear brothers: the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.”

The Pope then offered the people of the two African nations a word of encouragement.

“My dear Congolese and South Sudanese friends, words at this time are not enough to convey the closeness I would like to express to you and the affection I feel for you. I would like to say to you: do not let hope be stolen from you!”

God, he added, never disappoints those who put their hope in Him.

Pope Francis also reminded them of their important mission, beginning with the two nations’ politicians.

He said they must “turn the page to open up new paths of reconciliation, forgiveness, serene coexistence, and development.”

“This is a mission to take on with an eye to the future and to the many young people who fill your lush and wounded lands, filling them with light and possibilities,” he said.

Young people, added the Pope, “dream and deserve to see their dreams come true and to see days of peace; for them in particular we must lay down our arms, overcome resentment, and write new pages of fraternity.”

Finally, Pope Francis reminded the people of South Sudan and DRC that the tears they lift to Heaven “are not in vain”, since God has plans of peace for them.

“Already now, looking forward to meeting you, I ask that God’s peace descend into your hearts. My prayer intensifies and my affection for you increases, as my expectation grows each day to see your faces, feel at home in your lively Christian communities, embrace you all with my presence, and bless your lands.”

The Pope concluded his video message with a blessing for all the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

- VM