The head of the catholic church Pope Francis will be visiting Madagascar next year. A cardinal from the country made the announcement on Tuesday.
Cardinal Désiré Tsarahazana, the archbishop of Toamasina, made the announcement at a news conference.
He was attending a worldwide meeting of bishops, known as a synod, at which he is a participant.
Tsarahazana did not say when the visit would take place but a Vatican spokesman said preparations were “well under way”.
Reuters reports that the pope said in June that Madagascar was among the countries he wanted to visit in 2019.
Vatican sources said the trip would be part of a tour of several African countries. Pope John Paul visited Madagascar in 1989.
Madagascar is reeling under political tension ahead of a crucial impending general election.
There were violent protests demanding a change in election laws to allow some banned politicians to run for president.
The President of Madagascar Hery Rajaonarimampianina has also resigned in order to contest the next election.
Rajaonarimampianina will be facing some well-known rivals including opposition leader and ex-president Andry Rajoelina.
Elections are taking place in November this year.
Source: Africafeeds.com (Additional materials from Reuters)
