Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Luanda (Agenzia Fides) – On March 23, at 10am, at the 4 Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda, there was a Farewell Ceremony held as the Holy Father said good-bye to Angola. After thanking the President, the civil, military, and ecclesiastical authorities, and all those who had worked for the success of his visit, Benedict XVI said: “I thank God that I have found the Church here to be so alive and full of enthusiasm, despite the difficulties, able to take up its own cross and that of others, bearing witness before everyone to the saving power of the Gospel message. She continues to proclaim that the time of hope has come, and she is committed to bringing peace and promoting the exercise of fraternal charity in a way that is acceptable to all, respecting the ideas and sensitivities of each person...Despite the problems and obstacles, the people of Angola intend to build their future by travelling along paths of forgiveness, justice and solidarity.”
The Pope then made an appeal to all those in public office, that they may make “the just realization of the fundamental aspirations of the most needy peoples” their priority, because “Our hearts cannot find peace while there are still brothers and sisters who suffer for lack of food, work, shelter or other fundamental goods. If we are to offer a definite response to these fellow human beings, the first challenge to be overcome is that of building solidarity: solidarity between generations, solidarity between nations and between continents, which should lead to an ever more equitable sharing of the earth’s resources among all people.”
Benedict XVI then confirmed the appointment with all of Africa, for the Second Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops dedicated to this continent, for the coming month of October in Vatican City, praying to God “to grant his protection and assistance to the countless refugees who have fled their country, and are now at large, waiting to be able to return home.” His final exhortation was: “Dear Brothers and Sisters, friends from Africa, dear Angolans, take heart! Never tire of promoting peace, making gestures of forgiveness and working for national reconciliation, so that violence may never prevail over dialogue, nor fear and discouragement over trust, nor rancour over fraternal love. This is all possible if you recognize one another as children of the same Father, the one Father in Heaven. May God bless Angola! May he bless each of her sons and daughters! May he bless the present and the future of this beloved nation. May God be with you!” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 24/3/2009)
