Here is Pope Benedict’s homily from Holy Mass in Friendship Stadium in Cotonou, Benin. Dear Brother Bishops and Priests, Dear Brothers and Sisters, Following in the footsteps of my blessed predecessor Pope John Paul II, it is a great joy for me to visit for the second time this dear continent of Africa, coming among ...read more

S+L’s Alicia Ambrosio had the opportunity to speak with Vatican spokesperson Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ yesterday. Despite his busy schedule, Fr. Lombardi took the time to share some experiences about his time in Benin. He also shared a remarkable story about a little girl the Pope met. You can watch their full interview, via phone, ...read more

Smiles, cheers, waves and speeches! That’s the kind of day it’s been for Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican officials as day 2 of his apostolic voyage to Benin comes to a close. The Holy Father made his first address of the day to members of the Benin government, diplomatics corps and representatives of Benin’s major ...read more

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

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