Pope concludes Angola visit urging authorities to help poor, needy

(March 23, 2009) Pope Benedict concluded his pastoral visit to Angola on Monday, urging those in power to help the poor and needy of the nation realize their basic human rights and aspirations. Delivering his farewell address at Luanda’s airport before flying back to Rome, the Pope said he felt glad to have known a courageous people determined to begin again. Angola, rich in diamonds and oil, is rebuilding after a devastating 27-year old civil war that concluded in 2002. “Despite the problems and obstacles,” the Pope said, “the people of Angola intend to build their future by travelling along paths of forgiveness, justice and solidarity.”
He made and appeal saying: “I would ask that the just realization of the fundamental aspirations of the neediest peoples should be the principal concern of those in public office, since their intention, I am sure, is to carry out the mission they have received not for themselves but for the sake of the common good.” “Our hearts cannot find peace while there are still brothers and sisters who suffer for lack of food, work, shelter or other fundamental goods,” the Pope said. He said that if we are to offer a definite response to these fellow human beings, the first challenge to be overcome is that of building solidarity - solidarity between generations, solidarity between nations and between continents, which should lead to an ever more equitable sharing of the earth’s resources among all people.
Addressing the larger issue of the African continent, the Pope prayed that God grant his protection and assistance to the countless refugees who have fled their country, and are now at large, waiting to be able to return home. He encouraged both Africa and Angola take heart and never tire promoting peace, making gestures of forgiveness and working for national reconciliation, so that violence may never prevail over dialogue, nor fear and discouragement over trust, nor rancour over fraternal love.
Pope Benedict’s March 17-23 visit to Cameroon and Angola was the first African visit of his papacy. He made this visit to present the working document of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, scheduled for October in the Vatican. The theme of this synod is reconciliation, peace and justice.