AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - Bishops of southern Africa recall Pope John Paul II’s love and commitment for Africa

Friday, 8 April 2005

Pretoria (Fides Service)- “By raising many African Catholics to the honour of the altars Pope John Paul II showed that African Catholics are mature in their faith” the Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa said in a message to Fides with regard to all the Holy Father did for Africa.
“The African continent is torn apart by wars, genocide, violence, criminality, tribal and ethnic conflict, trafficking of women and children. In answer to the rhetoric question: “am I my brother’s keeper?” John Paul II said yes. He proclaimed the Gospel of life which calls Africans to the fullness of life” the Bishops said, recalling the Pope’s teaching on the family the “sanctuary of life”. “Africa is not immune to serious attacks on the culture of life and this is a tragic overturning of traditional African values. The Pontificate of Pope John Paul II was marked by strong moral guidance. He called on Church leaders to carry the torch of strong moral guidance to help Africa restore the dignity of its citizens created in the image of God” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 8/4/2005 righe 23 parole 298)


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