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Excitement, Prayers for Peace Ahead of Pope's Mozambique Visit

Anita Powell

   MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE - Mozambique's seaside capital is buzzing ahead of a
   historic visit by Pope Francis--his second trip to sub-Saharan Africa
   since his investiture. Mozambicans say they hope the pontiff will bring
   peace to the war-ravaged nation.

   As the capital city readied Tuesday for his arrival, painters applied
   fresh white paint to the city's soaring white cathedral, street
   sweepers cleaned sidewalks, and workers hung signs welcoming the pope.

   This is the first papal visit since former pope St. John Paul II
   visited in 1988, when Mozambique was in the throes of a brutal civil
   war.

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