Benedict XVI: A fond goodbye to Benin and Africa

Pope Benedict the XVI has ended his 22^nd Apostolic visit which took him to the West African nation of Benin.

Speaking before boarding a flight to Rome the Holy Father said that Africa was a continent for which he had a special regard and affection. He also expressed his gratitude for the three days spent in Benin among the people in joy and friendship. Our correspondent in Benin Father Moses Hamungole reports.
“My Apostolic journey to Africa has now come an end. I thank God for these days spent among you in joy and friendship”, Benedict announced his departure.
Traditional and religious music, vigorous dance which welcomed Benedict XVI on his arrival on 18^th November accompanied his departure from Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport on board Alitalia Plane this evening.
This Apostolic visit was memorable and historic for a number of reasons among them the signing and presentation of Apostolic Exhortation Africae Munus which Benedict personally presented this morning to the Presidents of the Regional and National Bishops- Conferences of Africa and nearby islands, the visit at the tomb of Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, a son of Benin and a humble servant of the Church, and the meeting Benedict held with Children at St. Rita.
Having personally participated and moved around the people at St. Rita Parish, and at the airport, the sense of celebration that accompanied these functions was clearly a testimony of how much the people love and appreciate the pope. People lined up on the street to salute him, wave at him, sing and dance for him and in celebration of his felt and appreciated presence among them.
The presence of muslims and other non-Christians was a remarkable and a visible sign of the presence of interreligious communion between Catholics and non-Christians in Benin.
Benedict has left Africa but his message through the Apostolic Exhortation Africae Munus and the personal presence on the African Soil remain the lasting legacy of his love for Africa and the Church in Africa. Many will remember this visit for years to come! At the end of Second Synod of Africa, Benedict called on Africa to Rise Up! Indeed with the guiding principles to the evangelisation of Africa through Reconciliation, Justice and Peace, Africa must now rise up and walk! Listen