Pope Benedict XVI took the opportunity during his visit to Benin to remind leaders on the continent that they should strive for peace and prosperity. There was no mention on the Church's position on condoms.

By Razzack Saïzonou in Continou

“Benin is a small country with a big heart,” declared Antoine Ganye, the archbishop of Conotou during the Pope’s visit to Benin. It is the third time in its history, that the small West African nation has welcomed the supreme head of the Catholic Church. An sevent that symbolises a renewed interest in Africa from the Vatican.

“I couldn’t be any happier and prouder”, says 18-year-old Arnaud wearing a t-shirt with Pope Benedict’s picture. “It is as if I was reborn”, adds Anicette, 22, before concluding: “my faith was strengthened and I thank God for inspiring the Holy Father in choosing Benin as a destination for his second visit to Africa”.

The joy and enthusiasm, expressed by hundreds of thousands of Beninese and African populations represented in Cotonou, were reflected in the reception given to the Supreme Pontiff. It couldn’t have been otherwise, as Africans had high expectations from the visit of His Holiness on the continent. Expectations that seem to have been met.

Ulrich, 27: “we are all aware of the need for culture of peace on our continent. I just wish we could internalise the Holy Father’s message; that this message, through everyone’s devotion, reaches all segments of the African society”.

African reconciliation
Another Beninese citizen, Sènou, has the same hopes. Sènou was one of the lucky ones who managed to edge his way through the security barriers to see the Supreme Pontiff.

“The visit of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, to Africa brings good news for a continent marked with instability and a fragile peace.

Knowing that the Pope addressed the important issues of reconciliation, justice and peace in a context economic recession in which Africa struggles to find its feet, is a silver lining for African countries”, he notes.

The contraception issue
Over and above the religious and spiritual messages delivered in the Beninese capital, Cotonou, Pope Benedict XVI has, in his various addresses, touched on the continent’s ills including corruption, injustice, impunity and violence.

The message to African leaders from the Pope was: “I am calling on political and economic leaders in Africa and the world. Do not deprive your peoples of hope! Do not amputate their future by mutilating their present! Deal with your responsibilities in a courageous and ethical manner,” he appealed.

The controversial issue regarding the use of condoms was not addressed in Cotonou. The question nevertheless continues to be a concern for young Beninese like Gervais, who agrees with the Pope’s position: “I understand the Pope and I think Christians, and Catholics in particular, will no longer be misled into having unprotected sex. But I invite all Christians to continue praying for an AIDS cure”.

Adrien has a different take on the issue. For this young student in Porto-Novo, “the church should not authorise the use of condoms. The husband should be faithful to his wife and vice versa. The condom is a sign of unfaithfulness as well as lack of love and respect in a marriage. For those who are single, abstinence until marriage is a command from God.”