Day 3: End of a visit
Departure from Cotonou
Pope ends Africa trip
with giant mass
COTONOU, Benin, Nov. 20 (AFP) - Pope Benedict XVI ended his second trip to Africa with a Mass for tens of thousands in the voodoo heartland of Benin and by issuing a grand vision for his Church's future on the continent.
Benedict left the West African nation following a three-day visit that saw him denounce corruption, label AIDS a mainly ethical problem, and encourage Africans to seek reconciliation in the face of conflicts.
For Sunday's Mass celebrated by Benedict, some 50,000 people filled a stadium in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, a country considered both a heartland of voodoo and a bastion of Catholicism - and where the two religions often mix.
Officials estimated another 30,000 people watched from outside the stadium, with the Pope's Mass projected onto giant screens.
Benedict arrived in his popemobile to a joyous welcome from the faithful, many wearing skirts or wraps with his picture. The 84-year-old Pope received warm cheers when he took a baby in his arms.
Ahead of his arrival, the crowd applauded each time the sun appeared from behind the clouds, some crying out, "Jesus!"
Benedict told the crowd they should work toward reconciliation in the face of conflict.
"Dear brothers and sisters of Africa, this land which sheltered the holy family, may you continue to cultivate Christian family values," he said.
"At a time when so many families are separated, in exile, grief-stricken as a result of unending conflicts, may you be artisans of reconciliation and hope."
On Saturday, Benedict had signed off on a roadmap for the Catholic Church in Africa at a basilica in the city of Ouidah, a centre of voodoo, with the Temple of Pythons and its 30-odd snakes just across the street [from the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception].
The document - an apostolic exhortation called
Africa munus (Pledge for Africa) containing conclusions from a 2009 synod of African bishops - includes peace, reconciliation and justice as its main message.
He handed the roadmap to bishops from throughout the continent on Sunday.
It calls for good governance and the abolition of the death penalty while denouncing abuses, particularly against women and children, and describing AIDS as a mainly ethical problem that requires a medical response.
Changes in behaviour are needed to combat the disease, including sexual abstinence and rejection of promiscuity, it adds.
The church's position on AIDS and the use of condoms has long been controversial and carefully scrutinised, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, home to nearly 70 per cent of the world's HIV cases.
Benedict singled out those suffering with AIDS or other illnesses during Sunday's Mass, expressing solidarity with them.
The Pope's visit to the country was heavy in symbolism, in a region that served as a major slave-trading centre and coming 150 years after what is considered the evangelisation of Benin by missionaries.
Slaves departing from Ouidah and elsewhere took their traditional voodoo beliefs with them and transplanted them in the Americas.
Benedict's visit also occurred with the Catholic Church facing a major challenge from evangelical movements that have made huge gains on the continent, attracting hundreds of thousands of followers.
[Compared to the growth of Catholics numbered in the millions.]
At the same time, Africa also has the world's fastest-growing number of Catholics.
The Pope's health seemed to hold up well throughout the trip despite intense heat and a packed schedule - and he often seemed invigorated by the adoring crowds. [Thanks, AFP, for pointing this out!]
Here is the Vatican translation of the Holy Father's remarks before departing Benin:
Your Eminences, Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Authorities and Dear Friends,
My Apostolic Journey to Africa has now come to an end. I thank God for these days spent among you in joy and friendship. I thank you, Mr President, for your gracious words and for the many efforts made to make my stay pleasant.
I thank the various civil authorities and all the volunteers who generously contributed to the success of these days. Nor can I fail to thank all the people of Benin for their warm and enthusiastic welcome. I also thank the members of the Catholic Church, the Presidents of the various National and Regional Episcopal Conferences who joined us, and naturally, in a very particular way, the bishops of Benin.
I wanted to visit Africa once more; it is a continent for which I have a special regard and affection, for I am deeply convinced that it is a land of hope. I have already said this many times.
Here are found authentic values which have much to teach our world; they need only to spread and blossom with God’s help and the determination of Africans themselves.
The Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Africae Munus can greatly assist in this, for it opens up pastoral horizons and will lead to creative initiatives. I entrust it to the faithful of Africa as a whole, to study carefully and to translate into concrete actions in daily life.
Cardinal Gantin, that eminent son of Benin whose greatness was so widely acknowledged that this Airport bears his name, took part with me in a number of Synods. He made a vital and much-appreciated contribution to them. May he accompany the implementation of this document!
During my visit I was able to meet various components of Benin’s society and many members of the Church. These numerous meetings, very different in nature, testify to the possibility of a harmonious coexistence within the nation, and between Church and State.
Good will and mutual respect not only aid dialogue, but are essential for building unity between individuals, ethnic groups and peoples.
The word “Fraternity” is the first of the three words found on your national emblem. Living in unity as brethren, while respecting legitimate differences, is not something utopian.
Why should an African country not show the rest of the world the path to be taken towards living an authentic fraternity in justice, based on the greatness of the family and of labour? May Africans be able to experience reconciliation in peace and justice!
These are the prayerful good wishes which I express to you, with confidence and hope, before I leave Benin and the African continent.
Mr President, I express once more my heartfelt gratitude, which I extend to all your fellow citizens, to the bishops of Benin and to all the faithful of your country.
Let me also encourage the entire continent to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. May God bless you all, through the intercession of Our Lady of Africa.
ACƐ MAWU TƆN NI KƆN DO BENIN TO Ɔ BI JI [in Fon: God bless Benin!]"
DEO GRATIAS!
Our Beloved Holy Father has completed yet another apostolic visit,
his second to Africa, and this one near-perfect in all aspects.
May he have a safe and restful trip back to Rome...
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 20/11/2011 19:58]