AFRICA/GHANA - “A European Pope is a blessing also for the Church in Africa” says Cardinal Turkson archbishop of Cape Coast in Ghana

Rome (Fides Service)- “Pope Benedict XVI coming from Europe represents hope also for the Churches in mission territories. I see him as a providential choice” African Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson archbishop of Cape Coast, Ghana told Fides. “We hope that this Pope born in the heart of Europe will invigorate the Church in Europe, which for us Africans is the mother Church” Cardinal Turkson said. “If the Church in Europe were in difficulty we would feel like orphans because we are children of the European Church. The progressive secularisation of Europe is a challenge for Africa too because we are in danger of losing the original source from which we draw nourishment still today”.
“I hope Benedict XVI will give new energy to the Church in Europe” the Cardinal said. “Benedict XVI was one of Pope John Paul II’s closest collaborators. This is a factor of continuity although I am certain the new Pope will not walk with the shoes of his predecessor, he will have his own line, thanks to the working of the Holy Spirit” Cardinal Turkson concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/4/2005 righe 19 parole 206)