Apostolic Journeys   Benin

Pope Benedict XVI is surrounded by children dancing and singing as he arrives during his visit to St. Rita church in Cotonou
Pope Benedict XVI is surrounded by children dancing and singing as he arrives during his visit to St. Rita church in Cotonou. © CNS photo/Alessia Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo.


Friday, November 18 - Cotonou

The Pope arrives in Benin and visits the Cathedral of Cotonou.




Saturday, November 19 - Ouidah & Cotonou

In the Courtyard of St. Gall Seminary, Benedict XVI visits the tomb of Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, close friend of the Holy Father and beloved son of Benin. The Pope then meets with priests, seminarians, men and women religious and lay faithful gathered in the courtyard. Afterward, the Pope will visit the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and sign the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on the Church in Africa. The Holy Father then returns to Cotonou, where he will visit the "Peace and Joy Centre" run by the Missionaries of Charity and greet the children of St. Rita Parish.




Sunday, November 20 - Cotonou

The Pope celebrates Holy Mass and leads the recitation of the Angelus Domini at the "Stade de l'amitié" in Cotonou. At the end of Mass, the Pope will present the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on the Church in Africa. He will then go to the airport for a departure ceremony before returning to Rome.