The Holy Father's on the move again. This time to the heart of darkness as he ventures to Cameroon and Angola. Whenever the pontiff travels, there is great interest generated, and words spoken at key moments have a way of making their way into the media, even half a world away.
Yesterday, he granted an audience to journalists aboard the flight from Rome, a gesture which has become part of the protocol at least since his predecessor began to undertake international travel with such frequency. The Globe and Mail reported details about the Holy Father's comments specifically on the subject of contraception and fighting the spread of AIDS, but as expected, the discussion aboard the papal plane was much more broad scoped. Here, read for yourself some of the comments about the impact of the world economic crisis on the poor of the world, and the comments he made about Africa and the importance of sects compared to the message proclaimed by the Church.
Arriving at the airport in Yaounde, Cameroon, the Holy Father was received by President Paul Biya, as well as a delegation which included Archbishop Simon-Victor Tonye Bakot of Yaounde, President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, and Cardinal Christian Wiyghan Tumi, archbishop emeritus of Douala. His pastoral greeting spoke of his duty to confirm brothers and sisters in the faith and to celebrate with you the life- giving faith in Christ that sustains and nourishes so many of the sons and daughters of this great continent.
Benedict did speak with those gathered at the official welcoming ceremony about the horrible truth and devastation caused by AIDS, but his tone was definitely one of concern and love: The Holy Father praised the local Church's concern for sick people, describing the fact that AIDS sufferers in Cameroon are able to receive treatment free of charge as "particularly commendable". He also mentioned Church commitment to education, especially in the work of the Catholic University for Central Africa, "a sign of great hope for the future of the region".
Referring to Cameroon as a land of hope, life and peace, His Holiness began what is scheduled to be a 4-day visit in Cameroon, before he continues to Angola, and spends another three days greeting the faithful in that country.
Today, the pope met with the 31 bishops who presently exercise their episcopal ministry in Cameroon. The venue for this encounter was the church of Christ-Roi in Tsinga, Yaounde where he shared some precious time reflecting on the fraternity which is essential to those who must be signs of unity and peace as we proclaim the message of life that Jesus first came to speak. He praised the bishops for the numerous vocations which are currently being nurtured in Cameroon and urged the bishops to renew their efforts at evangelization as a means of countering the trend toward a multiplicity of sects.
Tonight, the Holy Father celebrated Vespers in the Basilica Marie Reine des Apôtres in Mvolyé, Yaoundé and tomorrow his public activities include the celebration of Mass in the Amadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé where he will publish the Instrumentum Laboris (working document) for the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops; as well as three other meetings with members of the Muslim community of Cameroon, with the world of suffering people, and with members of the Special Council for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, probably a followup to the publication of the working document, and a preparatory session for the upcoming Synod.
Wow, he's a busy guy!
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