Caritas readies for focus on Africa in 2009

(March 11, 2009):- The international Caritas organization is welcoming an increased focus on Africa, to be brought about by Pope Benedict XVI's visit this month and the synod in October. Caritas members from 22 African countries, and Caritas representatives from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and Oceania, met in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi last week. Delegates discussed the challenges facing the poor and vulnerable in Africa, especially with regards to responding to emergencies, the global economic crisis, climate change, migration and peace building.
Caritas Africa President Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga from Uganda said: "The visits to Angola and Cameroon by the Pope, and the synod are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the work of the Church in Africa. "It will also be a moment to reflect on the challenges that face people in Africa where, for many, poverty remains an unacceptable scandal, he said.