Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Vatican Press Office today published the program of the apostolic visit of Pope Benedict XVI in Benin on the occasion of the signing and publication of the Apostolic Exhortation of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, held in Rome in October 2009.
The Pope will leave from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Cotonou at 9 am on 18 November. Once he arrives in Cotonou, after the welcome ceremony, he will visit the cathedral and make a speech. The following day, on Saturday, Nov. 19, after meetings with the authorities, members of government, institutions and representatives of religions, the Pope will travel to Ouidah, at St. Gall Seminary, where he will visit the tomb of Cardinal Gantin and meet priests, seminarians, religious and laity. According to plan, at 12.15 the post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation will be signed at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Pope will make a speech. Back in Cotonou, Benedict XVI will visit the foyer of the Missionaries of Charity, will meet the children and then the Bishops of Benin. On Sunday, November 20, at 9:30 am, at the "Stade de l'amitié" in Cotonou, the Pontiff will celebrate Mass and deliver the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation to the Bishops of Benin. At 4.30 pm departure for Rome. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 28/09/2011)
