VATICAN - Benedict XVI in Angola (10) - Address to political and civil authorities: “African men and women themselves, working together for the good of their communities, should be the primary agents of their own development.”

Luanda (Agenzia Fides) - “You are the protagonists and witnesses of an Angola which is on the road to recovery. In the wake of the twenty-seven-year civil war that ravaged this country, peace has begun to take root, bringing with it the fruits of stability and freedom.” With these words, the Holy Father Benedict XVI addressed the political and civil authorities and ambassadors who met with him at the Presidential Palace in Luanda, on the afternoon of March 20. Recalling the efforts of the Government in development and the welfare of society, which have begun to foster hope among citizens, the Pope mentioned as well, “the example of those honest teachers, medical workers, and civil servants who, on meagre wages, serve their communities with integrity and compassion, and there are countless others who selflessly undertake voluntary work at the service of the most needy.”
“Angola knows that the time has come for Africa to be the Continent of Hope!,” the Pope exclaimed, exhorting those present to transform the Continent, “freeing your people from the scourges of greed, violence and unrest and leading them along the path marked with the principles indispensable to every modern civic democracy: respect and promotion of human rights, transparent governance, an independent judiciary, a free press, a civil service of integrity, a properly functioning network of schools and hospitals, and – most pressing – a determination born from the conversion of hearts to excise corruption once and for all.”
Mentioning his Message for the World Day of Peace, Benedict XVI highlighted “ the need for an ethical approach to development.” In fact, more than simply programs and protocols, the people of this continent wish to be accompanied by all those who work in politics, public administration, and international agencies.
In order to ensure the economic and social progress of Africa, there is a need for coordination in the national Government with the regional initiatives and international decisions. All that implies “that African nations be seen not simply as the receivers of others’ plans and solutions. African men and women themselves, working together for the good of their communities, should be the primary agents of their own development,” the Pope said, mentioning several efficient initiatives that would be worthy of support.; “In regard to the international community as a whole, of pressing importance are co-ordinated efforts to address the issue of climate change, the full and fair implementation of the development commitments of the Doha round and likewise the implementation of the oft-repeated promise by developed countries to commit 0.7% of their Gross National Product for official development assistance. This undertaking is all the more necessary in view of the world’s current financial turmoil, and must not become one of its casualties.”
In Africa, the family is the foundation of society, and the Pope expressed his “profound human delight” at being among families. However, “the strains upon families, as we all know, are many indeed: anxiety and ignominy caused by poverty, unemployment, disease and displacement, to mention but a few. Particularly disturbing is the crushing yoke of discrimination that women and girls so often endure, not to mention the unspeakable practice of sexual violence and exploitation which causes such humiliation and trauma. I must also mention a further area of grave concern: the policies of those who, claiming to improve the 'social edifice', threaten its very foundations. How bitter the irony of those who promote abortion as a form of 'maternal' healthcare! How disconcerting the claim that the termination of life is a matter of reproductive health!” Benedict XVI concluded his address by assuring those present that they will always find the Church - in accordance with the will of her divine founder - “standing alongside the poorest of this continent,” doing all she can to “to support families - including those suffering the harrowing effects of HIV/Aids - and to uphold the equal dignity of women and men, realized in harmonious complementarity.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 21/3/2009)