By Our Online Team

21^st Nov 2011:

Pope Benedict with Benin's President Yayi

The leader of the global Roman Catholic Church Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday called on Africa’s leaders to stop depriving their people of hope and to govern responsibly, just hours before he planned to unveil a pastoral guide for the continent which attempts to use church doctrine to address Africa’s problems.

The pope made his comments during a meeting with the ruling elite of Benin, a country that has provided a rare example of functioning democracy in the region.  The 84-year-old pope returned for the second time to Africa, the most rapidly growing region for the Roman Catholic Church.

His first trip two years ago was derailed before he even set foot in Africa, after he told reporters on the papal plane that the use of condoms exacerbates the problem of AIDS.  On this visit however, the Pontiff tried to steer clear of the sensitive issue in order to highlight the message he had tried to deliver in Cameroon two years ago.

“…From this place, I launch an appeal to all political and economic leaders of African countries.  Do not deprive your people of hope. Do not cut them off from their future by mutilating their present. Adopt a courageous, ethical approach to your responsibilities,” Pope Benedict said at the presidential palace in Benin’s economic capital Cotonou.

The highlight of the Pope’s three-day visit is the unveiling of an 87-page document outlining the role of the Church on the African continent that has been shattered by war and whose people are deeply impoverished due in part to the corruption of their leaders.  The thrust of the document is centred on how Church doctrine, such as the principles of penance and forgiveness can be used to help people stop the cycle of retribution.

Harvard Divinity School Professor Jacob Olupona, a native of Nigeria, said the Pope is attempting to position the Church to act as a moral voice for the continent.  “…The Pope can send a message calling the faithful and members of the Catholic community to be more true to their Christian faith.  What is the purpose of loving God and hating your neighbour?” said Olupona, a former chair of the Committee on African Studies at Harvard.

Whether it was by coincidence or design, the Pope’s message on political leadership also came in the same week when Ugandan Bishops urged Internal Affairs Minister Hilary Onek and Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi to resign to enable a proper investigation into their alleged involvement in corrupt oil deals.

Only time will tell if any Ugandan or African leader heeds the calls for political responsibility from the men of God.  END.  Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.