EN ROUTE TO BENIN, NOV. 18, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Though they only had Benedict XVI visiting for brief moments — and then, only from the air — six African countries received the assurance of papal prayers as the Holy Father flew over them on his way to Benin today.
As is customary, the Pope sent his best wishes to the leaders of the countries the papal plane passed over as he headed for his three-day trip to Benin, his second apostolic journey to Africa.
The flight, stretching more than 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) gave the Pontiff an opportunity to express his wishes for peace and stability in Tunisia.
He sent his best wishes to Algeria and invoked upon the whole country «the benefits of the Almighty.»
«May the Most High bless Mali and grant to all its inhabitants prosperity and happiness,» stated the telegram for this country.
To Niger, the Holy Father expressed the hope that it will «live in prosperity and progress unceasingly in concord and peace.»
For Burkina Faso the Pope voiced his hope that it would «live always in peace and fraternity» and that God would grant it prosperity and happiness.
For Ghana he prayed for «God’s blessings of peace and social harmony.»
