Democratic Republic Of Congo
In DR Congo's capital Kinshasa, Christian faithful are flocking to impromptu market stalls in churchyards to buy t-shirts and wax tissues adorned with the image of Pope Francis, ahead of the pontiff's visit.
Papal souvenirs have become hot-selling items ahead of the four-day trip which begins on January 31.
"I must wear the effigy of the Pope because the great blessing comes, it must," Justin Marie Bayala said proudly.
Emmanuel Wemo another client doubles down: "I bought this calendar, I am happy to have the Pope’s effigy at home, it is a great blessing for me and my children"
Many in the Democratic Republic of Congo view the papal visit as a chance to soothe tensions in the east, where M23 rebels have waged a new insurgency since last year and provoked a humanitarian crisis.
Over one million worshippers are expected to turn out for an open-air mass in Kinshasa's Ndolo airport on February 1.
"The message I expect from the Pope is the message of peace because recently, here, the DRC is tormented here and there," Elisabeth Akwete insisted.
Pope Francis was scheduled to arrive in the DRC last July, but the trip was postponed over health concerns.
Across Kinshasa, banners and signs welcoming the pope already hang from buildings. His visit marks the first papal trip to the country since Pope John Paul II's in 1985.
01:02
Pics of the day: July 23, 2024
01:46
Head of UN force in the DRC “extremely concerned about expansion of M23” rebels
02:20
Fally Ipupa rocks France on start of European tour
02:06
DR Congo: Boxing champion trains youth in war-torn east for a better future
00:58
DR Congo military court sentences 25 soldiers to death for fleeing fighting
02:10
Herman 'Watch the River' Amisi makes Congolese diaspora laugh in Paris