Pope's Trip in Africa: challenges ahead.

The trip of Pope Benedict xvi to Benin from the 18th to 20th of Nov. 2011 is indeed, a missionary trip to and for Africa. It is a trip of special mission for Justice, Peace and Development for Africa witnessing recently violence, provoked by injustice and which has contributed to her stunted development.

Pope benedict xvi would be going to Benin to make a presentation of the Post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation of the Second Special Assembly for African Synod of Bishops. Arrangements are made and things are already set in place for this special visit, including the musical Album produced with the name  “Africa Tenda Amani” (African Make Peace!), which reflects the theme for the second synod of the African bishops “The Church in Africa in Service to Reconciliation” , and this  encapsulates the central message of the Papal visit to Benin. This album expresses in music the desire to accompany the fruits yielded by the Second Special Assembly for African of the synod of Bishops.

It is indeed a big challenge to the church at present to pursue the cause of peace in Africa. His Holiness travelling to Benin will dwell really on this to see a way out of religious and political violence ravaging some countries in Africa.

        

    I also know that on reaching the country of Benin, following a little history of Pope’s visits in relation to the media, the Pope may also face the challenge of some of the predominant moral issues in Benin like “Same-sex sexual acts for both men and women, which are legal in Benin, even though same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples. Same-sex sexual acts were previously illegal for both men and women, with a penalty of between one and three years in prison and a fine between 100,000 and 300,000 francs (150 to 300 euros). The Pope may also touch something on voodoo. Once banned in Benin, the religion is celebrated at the country's annual Voodoo Day, which draws thousands of celebrants.

In the past, the ports of Benin exported slaves and one of the religions of those slaves was voodoo, which remains strong in Benin today”. http://blog.jaluo.com.

            I am sure that the pope’s presence will not only reinforce the catholic faith of Benin but also will help to throw more light on the authentic teachings of the church on the moral problems rooting the country and Africa at large.