Vatican City, Nov 20, 2012 / 16:10 pm
Just one year after Pope Benedict XVI visited the African country of Benin, its president believes that it can live up to his challenge of becoming a place of hope.
President Thomas Boni Yayi met Pope Benedict for the second time on Nov. 19 at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace. The encounter marked one year since Benedict XVI's visit to the West African nation, which neighbors Nigeria and Cameroon.
"I spoke with the Holy Father about Benin, which is a very small country," said President Boni Yayi. "But it has turned into a big country since his visit."
"He has focused his attention on us, not only for our sake, but for the Church," he added.