Generally regarded as the motherland of voodoo, Benin is set to be the international meeting point of Catholics from Africa and around the globe for the coming three days, when the small West African country will be welcoming the pope for the third time in its history.

By Razzack Saïsonou, Cotonou

Achille, who is in his late teens, is busy cleaning his small shop in the capital Cotonou when one of his customers asks him: “How are you preparing for the arrival of the pope?” “What is the pope’s visit going to change for me?” replies Achille, to which his customer retorts: “The arrival of the supreme pontiff in Benin is a great blessing for our country.”

Strengthening the faith
Like Achille’s customer, many other young Beninese are eagerly and faithfully awaiting the pope’s arrival. For most young people in Cotonou, as well as in the cities of Porto-Novo and Ouidah, the visit of His Holiness Benedict XVI in Benin is an extraordinary event they want to remember forever.

Raymond H., a young student: “I am hoping that with the pope’s arrival my faith will be strengthened by seeing him and listening to him. It is an opportunity for me to reinforce my faith and be a good citizen. Also, seeing the excitement of my brothers and sisters, believers and non-believers alike, I admire the tolerance and openness of the Beninese population.”

High expectations
Vitale D. feels the same way. For this young highschool girl “Benin is a blessed country and welcoming the pope is a great blessing. Thanks to the prayers of His Holiness, Benin will remain a country of peace, humility and hospitality.”The teenager is hopeful that the pope’s visit will increase the patience and understanding of the country’s leaders, and protect them against evil intentions.

The youth play an important role during the pope’s three-day visit, as Benedict is scheduled to meet orphan children and AIDS patients to give them a message of hope and perseverance. Abbot André Quenum, who is a member of the organising committee for the visit, notes: “The youth, who represent the future of our people, are an important target group for the Catholic Church.”