On the Pope’s visit to Angola, he called for an end to wars, tribalism, corruption, and the eradication of greed. Those words describe the decades-long strife and misery in the continent. He also paid tribute to women and cultural values, aspects of the continent’s strength. In a statement over Vatican Radio, Benedict said that war can destroy everything that is of worth such as families, whole communities, and the hope that guides and sustains lives and work, and that it results in fatigue of men. “The destructive power of civil war, the result of hatred and revenge, is a recurring experience in Africa,” the Pope lamented.

“The Gospel teaches us that reconciliation, a true reconciliation, can only be the result of a conversion, a change of heart, a new way of thinking. We are taught that only the power of God’s love can change our hearts and make us triumph over the power of sin,” he said. He added, “When the Word of God, a word that looks to the building of individuals, the community, the entire family is unattended, when the Law of God is ridiculed, scorned and mocked, the result can only be destruction and injustice, the humiliation of our common humanity and the betrayal of our vocation to be children of the merciful Father, brothers and sisters of his beloved Son.”

Later, Benedict paid particular tribute to the women who, in a world dominated by technology, almost always manage to keep dignity intact, defending the family and protecting cultural and religious values.

He also lamented how history records the achievements almost exclusively of men, when in fact a very important part is due to the decisive and purposeful action of women. The Pope said that “at present, no one should doubt that women are fully entitled to enter actively in any field of public life and her right must be legally affirmed and protected, but the recognition of public role of women should not diminish the unique role they have within the family.”

The Pope dedicated his homily to the ‘national reconciliation in Angola.’

Via Reuters/Vatican

Images courtesy of Reuters