Pope Benedict began Day 2 of his apostolic journey in Benin when he met with President Yani Bono, diplomatic corp members and those of the government. This all took place in the Presidential Palace in Cotonou. In his address, the Holy Father used the symbol of a hand in speaking about religious diversity in the ...read more

It has been a whirlwind of a day for Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican officials. They are currently in the midst of the Holy Father’s 22nd apostolic voyage, which is taking place in the small West African nation of Benin. The Pope left Rome’s Fiumicino Airport around 9:00am (Rome time). During the six-hour flight, he ...read more

In the course of history, Popes have not been known for hosting press conferences. But on special occasions, such as apostolic voyages, Pope Benedict takes the time and effort to answer some of the many questions he receives from reporters who travel with him as part of his entourage. This happened again today during the ...read more

Earlier today, Pope Benedict XVI was welcomed to Benin by Yayi Boni, the President of the West African nation, along with enthusiastic crowds. During a ceremony at the Cardinal Bernard Gantin International Airport, the Holy Father said he was “looking forward to bringing back to African soil the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Africae Munus.” The Pope ...read more

On Nov. 18, Pope Benedict makes his 22nd Apostolic Voyage. He travels to the country of Benin to present bishops with a special letter about the Church in Africa. Join our host Alicia Ambrosio and guest Fr. Stan Chu Ilo, who will lead us step-by-step through the Pope’s entire visit. Fr. Stan Chu Ilo will offer ...read more

“Violence and terrorism are incompatible with the authentic spirit of religions.” -Rt. Rev. Dr. Munib Younan, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land “We, humanists in dialogue with believers, commit ourselves together with all men and women of good will to building a new world in which respect for the ...read more

300 More than three hundred religious leaders from across the globe gathered in Assisi for the “Day of reflection, dialogue, and prayer for peace and justice in the world”. 25 We celebrate twenty-five years since the anniversary of the first Assisi interfaith prayer summit. 19 St. Francis of Assisi was nineteen years old when he ...read more

Twenty-five years ago, John Paul II joined leaders of other world religions for a historic encounter in Assisi, Italy. Tomorrow, his successor makes his own journey to the town of St. Francis for the “Day of Reflection, Dialogue and Prayer for Peace and Justice”. Benedict XVI typically travels by plane, but tomorrow he will be ...read more

In my time covering the Church, I’ve had the opportunity to meet bishops from around the world, of all different leadership styles and personalities. I’ve often been struck by stories I hear from bishops in Africa. I’ve been told that in Africa, the bishop is not just an authority figure. He walks with the people; ...read more

Since John Paul II, the pope has been in the spotlight of news media. But unlike his predecessor, Benedict XVI is not very easy for journalists to cover, as demonstrated by his recent four-day trip to Germany. ...read more