Luanda, Angola, Mar 23, 2009 / 15:53 pm
Thanking everyone for the efforts made during the course of his African visit, the Holy Father delivered a brief address to some officials and citizens of Angola at a departure ceremony at Luanda’s airport. The Pope praised of the vibrancy of the Catholic Church on the continent and stressed the need to care for the poor.
"I thank God,” began Pope Benedict, “that I have found the Church here to be so alive and full of enthusiasm, despite the difficulties, able to take up its own cross and that of others, bearing witness before everyone to the saving power of the Gospel message."
"She continues to proclaim that the time of hope has come, and she is committed to bringing peace and promoting the exercise of fraternal charity in a way that is acceptable to all, respecting the ideas and sensitivities of each person.”