|PIC1|Pope Benedict XVI is to make his first visit to Africa as head of the Roman Catholic Church this week.
The Pope will be visiting Cameroon and Angola from 17 to 23 March and is expected to celebrate the growth of the Catholic Church in Africa and the continent’s contribution to the Church.
In the 20th Century the Catholic population in sub-Saharan Africa increased from just two million to 140 million. In addition, the Vatican released a book of statistics last months which revealed that the number of ordinations of priests in Africa increased by 27.6 per cent, more than in any other continent.
The Pope has praised the Catholic Church in Africa and said that Europe could draw lessons from them.
He said of Africa last month, "To see that there isn't only a tired church, as we often find in Europe, but also a youthful church, full of joy of the Holy Spirit, is certainly a spiritual refreshment."
The Pope is also expected to discuss the problem of conflict in Africa, including the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo which is believed to have claimed the lives of 5.4 million people.
He will begin his visit in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, and will meet African bishops and preview an upcoming Vatican synod with the theme of “reconciliation, justice and peace”.
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
The mystery of the Wise Men
-
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
-
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
Most Popular
News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.