Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service)- “Africa is not adrift” this is the message launched by a Conference on “The economic and social development of Africa in the era of globalisation”, organised by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, May 21 in Rome. “This event is in full spiritual harmony with the concerns of the Pope who on many occasions has made pressing appeals for Africa not to be forgotten” Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace said in the opening address. “Our Conference must be above all an event of hope calling for adequate answers to three basic problems which weigh on the continent of Africa like millstones: armed conflict, endemic diseases and poverty ” Cardinal Martino said.
“The continent of Africa is not immobile, it is moving,» said Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, the Holy See’s Secretary for relations with states, who recalled Pope John Paul II’s special concern for Africa. Archbishop Lajolo spoke of the Holy See’s role in promoting an international economic system,which takes into consideration the needs of Africa and he recalled the Catholic Church’s activity to promote human and social development on that continent.
“The Church in Africa is committed in various ways to promoting peace” Cameroonian Cardinal Christian Wighan Tumi, Archbishop of Douala, present at the Conference, told Fides. “I mention first of all that many dioceses and parishes have their own Commission for Justice and Peace. These commissions play an important role in promoting a culture of peace and reconciliation. Secondly, wherever there is a war, the Church is present to promote dialogue among the warring parties. Thirdly, the Church makes an important contribution to solving the problems at the basis of conflicts: poverty, disease, social injustice”.
Cardinal Tumi recalls the fruits of the Special Synod for Africa held in Rome in 1994: “On my pastoral visits I have always noted how the post-synodal documents are studied with great care, especially by the laity”.
One African country in a situation of particular tension is Ivory Coast. Since September 2002, the country has been divided in two parts one controlled by the government and the other in the hands of the rebels. “We must be optimistic about the future of my country” Cardinal Bernard Agré, Archbishop of Abidjan told Fides. “History shows that even divisions inside a nation can be healed. I have great hope for the future of my country because I see that the people want to build peace. They want a united country. Although our politicians follow their personal interests, our people are determined to restore national peace and unity and re-launch the economy ”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 21/5/2004, righe 41 parole 511)
