Pope brings message of hope to suffering Africa

March 17, 2009

"Even amid the greatest suffering, the Christian message always brings hope." That was the message of Pope Benedict XVI as he arrived in Yaounde, Cameroon, on March 17 to begin a week-long visit to Africa.

Recognizing the severe difficulties that Africa confronts-- including poverty, hunger, disease, and violence-- the Pope said that the Church will always support those who are in need. Today, with economic problems spreading worldwide, he acknowledged that "Africa suffers disproportionately." But Africa is also a continent of hope, he insisted, and that hope springs from the truths of Christian faith. Pope Benedict made it clear that he sees the faith, not any political or economic program, as the basis on which a bright future can be built:

Not new forms of economic or political oppression, but the glorious freedom of the children of God (cf. Rom 8:21). Not the imposition of cultural models that ignore the rights of the unborn, but the pure healing water of the Gospel of life. Not bitter interethnic or interreligious rivalry, but the righteousness, peace and joy of God’s kingdom, so aptly described by Pope Paul VI as the civilization of love.

As he thanked President Paul Biya and the Church leaders of Cameroon for welcoming him, the Holy Father remarked that he had come to "strengthen the brethren," according to the example set by St. Peter for the papal ministry. "When Peter preached to the multitudes in Jerusalem at Pentecost," the Pope pointed out, "there were visitors from Africa present among them." He added that Africa has given the Church some of her greatest saints, including Sts. Cyprian, Monica, Augustine, and Athanasius.

The Pope also observed that it was on a visit to Yaounde in 1995 that Pope John Paul II officially released his apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in Africa, summarizing the work of the first special African Synod. The second Synod for Africa will meet in October of this year, and Pope Benedict will release the instrumentum laboris, the working document for that Synod meeting, during his stay in Cameroon.

"Cameroon is truly a land of hope for many in Central Africa," the Pope continued. He mentioned the thousands of refugees who have found safe havens there, and the variety of ethnic groups living in harmony. The Pope observed that more than 25% of the country's population is Catholic, and "the Church is well placed to carry forward her mission of healing and reconciliation." He made a special note of the work done by Catholic institutions in caring for victims of AIDS and providing education for young people-- two causes that are essential to the health of African society.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Pope brings 'Christian message of hope' to Africa (AFP)
• Benedict XVI in Africa: Discourse at Welcoming Ceremony in Cameroon (Vatican Radio)