Pope Francis visits mosque in volatile Bangui neighbourhood

Pope Francis has told crowds gathered at the main mosque of Central African Republic’s capital that Muslims and Christians are brothers, and must live as such.

On a rare trip this morning into the volatile neighbourhood known as PK5, the Pope recalled how Christians and Muslims had long lived together peacefully in Bangui.

“Let us us together say no to hatred, violence and revenge, particularly that made in God’s name,” the Pontiff reportedly said.

The visit is part of the message of peace and reconciliation that Pope Francis has been bringing to Central African Republic, where sectarian violence exploded nearly two years ago.

The violence has forced most of the capital’s 122,000 Muslims to flee for their lives, with only 15,000 now remaining.

Francis had insisted on coming to the neighbourhood to appeal for peace despite the security concerns.

More to follow