Synod delegation meets Italy’s foreign minister

(October 23, 2009) Cooperation in development, anti-Christian persecution and the fight against trafficking in drugs, arms and human beings were some of the major issues that a delegation of the Synod for Africa discussed with Italy’s foreign minister, Franco Frattini on Thursday. During the talks the two sides acknowledged the need for putting man at the heart of any political activity so that the negative impacts of globalization do not hit the weakest. According to Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze, president delegate of the Synod for Africa, the Italian government’s involvement in Africa has been very positive, encouraging Africans to be the masters of their present and future, and appreciating the value of interdependence accepting it as solidarity. The cardinal said that during the meeting the bishops also discussed the problem of African migration caused by great hardship at home. While saying that Italy should promote development in Africa so people are less tempted to migrate elsewhere, Cardinal Arinze however stressed that no one can deny a person his right to seek a better life elsewhere. Frattini said the European Union should take firm positions against countries where religious persecutions are carried out. He also spoke of involving Catholic universities in Africa to groom graduates for a Catholic leadership that Italy would be greatly interested in supporting. In the last few days, the Synod for Africa has been holding closed-door group discussions, reviewing and summarizing the closing message as well as the final list of proposals for voting on Saturday. On Sunday, Pope Benedict will lead the concluding mass of the Synod in St. Peter’s Basilica.