COTONOU – Pope Benedict XVI has formally handed over to church authorities in Benin a detailed pastoral guide which articulates his spiritual vision for Africa.
The 87-page document explains how church doctrine, especially the practice of turning the other cheek, can be put to use to heal rifts in Africa.
Pope Benedict presided over an open-air Mass that drew thousands to Cotonou’s soccer stadium.
Africa is the fastest- growing region for the Roman Catholic Church, helping to breathe life into a church that has seen a steep decline in Europe. – (Reuters)
