Be Salt and Light, Pope Says to Africa

Entrusts Fruits of Synod to Faithful

October 25, 2009 | 3175 hits

Benedict XVI entrusted the fruits of the Africa synod to the faithful on the continent, urging them to the "salt and light" of their homeland. The Pope said this today before praying the …

On the Africa Synod

"Be Salt and Light in the Beloved African Land"

October 25, 2009 | 3013 hits

Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave today before and after praying the midday Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. * * * Dear brothers and sisters! A …

Vatican Aide: Church Is Both "For" and "With" Africa

Father Lombardi Reflects at Conclusion of Special Assembly

October 25, 2009 | 2358 hits

As the Africa synod comes to a close, a Vatican spokesman affirms that the Church is not only at work "for" the continent, but also committed to walk "with" it. Jesuit Father Federico …

Pope to Bishops: Be Realistic, Not Too Political

Says Africa Synod Successfully Struck a Balance

October 25, 2009 | 4829 hits

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Benedict XVI's Address at Synod Luncheon

"The Discourse of a Pastor Must Be Realistic"

October 25, 2009 | 2662 hits

Here is a translation of the words spoken by Benedict XVI at the luncheon held Saturday in the atrium of the Paul VI Hall with those who participated in the in the Second Special Assembly for …

Pontiff Urges African Church to Have Courage

Calls for a New Evangelization of the Continent

October 25, 2009 | 2483 hits

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Papal Homily at Close of Africa Synod

"Courage! Get on Your Feet, Continent of Africa"

October 25, 2009 | 4383 hits

Here is a translation of the homily Benedict XVI gave today at the concluding Mass of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops. The three-week assembly considered the …

Tendency for Priests Is Toward Celibacy, Says Egyptian Bishop

Notes Experience With Eastern Catholic Clergy

October 23, 2009 | 4033 hits

When priests are given the choice between marriage and celibacy, the tendency is to choose celibacy, at least according to the experience of the bishop of Cairo of the Chaldeans. Bishop …

15 Bishops Named to Special Council for Africa

October 23, 2009 | 2282 hits

Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, revealed today the names of the 15 members of the Special Council for Africa of the General Secretariat of the Synod of …

Draft of Final Message of Africa Synod

"The Blessings of God Are Still Abundant"

October 23, 2009 | 5532 hits

Here is the first version of the concluding message of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, as presented today at the 18th General Congregation. The synod will …

Africans Thank Focolare, Sant'Egidio Community

Confirm Reduction of Corruption and Disease

October 20, 2009 | 1354 hits

Participants in the Synod for Africa were able to witness how the Focolare Movement and the Sant'Egidio Community have helped reduce corruption and AIDS on that continent. The two …

Synod Fathers Send Support to Great Lakes Africans

Denounce Violence, Stress Sacredness of Life

October 20, 2009 | 948 hits

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Letter to Bishops of Great Lakes Region

"In Dialogue ... All Problems Can Be Solved"

October 20, 2009 | 928 hits

Here is the letter from participants in the Second Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops that was sent today to the presidents of the bishops' conferences of Sudan, Uganda, Chad, …

Reports of the Working Groups

October 16, 2009 | 2010 hits

Here are the English--language summaries provided by the Vatican press office of the Reports of the Working Groups of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops. Reports …