Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yaounde (Agenzia Fides) – On Friday, March 20, at 8:45am, the Holy Father Benedict XVI left the Apostolic Nunciature and travelled to the Nsimalen International Airport in Yaounde, where a Farewell Ceremony was held at 10am. After an address given by the President of the Republic of Cameroon, the Pope gave an address thanking everyone for the warm reception - “the warmth of the African sun is reflected in the warmth of the hospitality that has been extended to me.” He especially thanked “all those who have been praying so hard that this pastoral visit will bear fruit for the life of the Church in Africa. And I ask you to continue praying that the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops will prove to be a time of grace for the Church throughout the continent, a time of renewal and rededication to the mission to bring the healing message of the Gospel to a broken world.”
After recalling the various events that took place during his visit to Cameroon - “Many of the scenes I have witnessed here will remain deeply etched on my memory” - Benedict XVI recalled the principle motive for his trip, “the historic moment of the promulgation of the Instrumentum Laboris for the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops,” and he concluded saying: “Truly this is a moment of great hope for Africa and for the whole world. People of Cameroon, I urge you to seize the moment the Lord has given you! Answer his call to bring reconciliation, healing and peace to your communities and your society! Work to eliminate injustice, poverty and hunger wherever you encounter it! And may God bless this beautiful country, “Africa in miniature”, a land of promise, a land of glory. God bless you all!” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 21/3/2009)
