Pope Francis headed to Africa

VATICAN (WLS) -- Pope Francis, who just wrapped up the three-week Synod on the Family, will travel to Africa for the first time as pope.

During the Synod of the Family, leaders of the Catholic Church approved a new direction that welcomes divorced and civilly remarried Catholics into the church. The pope declared, "today is a time of mercy" during the historic meetings with archbishops and cardinals in Rome.

At the end of November, he will travel to Kenya and spend three days in Nairobi. From there, the pope will head west to Uganda and then on to Central African Republic. He will celebrate two masses, one of which will be held at an outdoor stadium, in Bangui.

During his time in Africa, he will visit a refugee camp and meet with other religious leaders.