In another key event today in Benin, Pope Benedict formally signed the Apostolic Exhortation for Africa. The exhortation is titled “Africae Munus”, which means “The Commitment of Africa”. This text is the result of the 2009 Synod of Bishops for Africa. The document touches upon issues such as sacraments, dialogue between various religions and social ...read more

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

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

Here is Pope Benedict XVI’s speech in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi, Italy, before representatives of the world’s religions and non-believers: Dear Brothers and Sisters, Distinguished Heads and Representatives of Churches, Ecclesial Communities and World Religions, Dear Friends, Twenty-five years have passed since Blessed Pope John Paul II first invited representatives ...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

We return home on a spiritual high, confident and joyful. We’ve experienced the universal church; we know we are not alone. As we settle back into our routine, there is the temptation to live in the reverie of the moment but not do anything about it. Our response to the experience determines how receptive our ...read more

After the WYD “high,” how do you continue to nourish the seeds of faith that were planted? That’s the question Pedro asks this week on Perspectives: The Weekly Edition. Joining him for the discussion is Neiman D’Souza, a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Toronto, and Jonathan Nix, coordinator of Youth Ministry at St. Bonaventure parish ...read more

About a month has passed since World Youth Day ended and I’ve had the chance to talk to pilgrims from various places. The one thing that inevitably comes up is the Cuatro Vientos vigil. The two most asked questions: (1) Did you make it in? and (2) Did you get drenched? So when I received ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI’s farewell address given at Lahr Airport: Mr President of the Federal Republic, Distinguished Representatives of the Federal Government, of Baden Württemburg and its Communities, Dear Brother Bishops, Ladies and Gentlemen, Before leaving Germany, I would like very much to thank you for these days, so moving and eventful, spent in my native ...read more

The Holy Father reminds those Catholics working in the Church and society of the origins of the Church’s mission: the triune God, in the mystery of divine love. The Church finds her meaning solely in being a tool for salvation, in filling the world with God’s word, and in transforming the world by bringing it ...read more