Following today’s general audience catechesis, Benedict XVI greeted the faithful in several languages, including members of the Special Council for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, who have been meeting at the synod’s General Secretariat.
The Holy Father confirmed the decision to call the special assembly and said: «I have great hopes that such a gathering will mark a further impulse for evangelization on the African continent, the consolidation and growth of the Church and the promotion of reconciliation and peace.»
Dates for the synod have yet to be specified.
John Paul II announced the holding of the synod for Africa at a general audience with the participants of the first Symposium of Bishops of Africa and Europe, held in Rome last Nov. 10-13.
The first meeting of African bishops was held in the Vatican from April 10 to May 8, 1994, in the context of the continental synods, called by the Pope, in preparation for the Jubilee Year 2000.
