Members of the Colombian presidential guard stand next to a commemorative stamp with an image of Pope Francis

As Colombia prepares to welcome Pope Francis amidst implementing a delicate peace accord, Colombians in the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens have faith that the visit will foster peace.

Bishop Alfonso Cabezas, C.M., has worked as missionary most of his life, first in his native Colombia, then in Africa and New York.

Pope Francis heads to Colombia next week for what might be the most grueling five days of his pontificate. He’ll visit four different cities, each with contrasting altitudes and climates, and each key to the messages he wants to convey.

When Pope Francis visits Colombia in September, he will take his message of mercy and reconciliation to Cartagena, a city that still bears scars of its painful history as a slave port. And he will walk the streets where another Jesuit, St. Peter Claver, put that message into practice four centuries ago.