Pope Benedict is certainly not as fond of travel as his predecessor, but today the Holy Father begins his first visit to Africa. It will also be the longest of his pontificate to date, comprising seven days in Angola and in Cameroon. On leaving, the Pope issued a message about the visit; during this message he speaks of his mission: "Yes, dear brothers and sisters! I depart for African with the awareness of having nothing else to propose and give to those whom I will meet if not Christ and the Good News of his cross, mystery of supreme love, of divine love that defeats all human resistance and in the end makes forgiveness and love of enemies possible... The Church does not pursue economic, social and political objectives; the Church proclaims Christ, certain that the Gospel can touch the hearts of all and transform them, renewing persons and society from within."Tuesday, 17 March 2009
The Pope heads for Africa
Pope Benedict is certainly not as fond of travel as his predecessor, but today the Holy Father begins his first visit to Africa. It will also be the longest of his pontificate to date, comprising seven days in Angola and in Cameroon. On leaving, the Pope issued a message about the visit; during this message he speaks of his mission: "Yes, dear brothers and sisters! I depart for African with the awareness of having nothing else to propose and give to those whom I will meet if not Christ and the Good News of his cross, mystery of supreme love, of divine love that defeats all human resistance and in the end makes forgiveness and love of enemies possible... The Church does not pursue economic, social and political objectives; the Church proclaims Christ, certain that the Gospel can touch the hearts of all and transform them, renewing persons and society from within."
