Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Trip to Benin

(September 29, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI will travel to Benin this November to sign the post-synodal exhortation of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops. The Vatican press office released the itinerary of the Pope's three-day trip to the West African nation, which marks the second time the Holy Father has travelled to Africa during his Pontificate. In 2009, he travelled to Cameroon and Angola to present the "instrumentum laboris" for the African synod. On Friday, November 18, the Pope will depart Rome in the morning and arrive at 3 p.m. in Benin's capital, Cotonou. After the welcome ceremony the Pope will then visit the Cathedral of Cotonou. On Saturday, November 19, the Pontiff will address the political authorities and representatives of the major religions in Benin at the Presidential Palace of Cotonou and then meet the president of the republic, Yayi Boni. Moving to the city of Quidah, the Pope will address a gathering of priests, seminarians, religious and lay faithful in the courtyard of the seminary. At noon the Pope will visit the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of Mary of Ouidah and sign the post-synodal apostolic exhortation of the Africa synod. In the evening after meeting the "Peace and Joy" Foyer of the Missionaries of Charity and children in St. Rita's Parish in Cotonou, the Holy Father will address a gathering of the bishops of Benin at the Apostolic Nunciature of Cotonou. On Sunday during the High Mass at "Friendship Stadium the Pope will present the post-synodal exhortation to the bishops. At midday after the Angelus, Pope Benedict XVI will lunch with members of the Special Council for Africa of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops and with the Papal Entourage and return to Rome.