Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Benin to a joyous reception. The Holy Father spoke about his affection for Africa. Photo by Helen Blakesley / CRS

By Helen Blakesley

“God is neither absent nor irrelevant” as Pope Benedict arrives in Benin

As the Papal plane touched down onto the sun-baked tarmac of Cotonou airport, the ‘press pack’ were jolted into action. There was scurrying and weaving about as journalists tried to find the best spot, with lenses as big as my head tucked under their arms.

I took my place in the scrum, just behind the Guard of Honor who would welcome Pope Benedict XVI when He stepped from the plane. I couldn’t believe my luck. Here I was, camera around my neck and video camera in hand, meters away from the dais where His Holiness would soon be standing. It felt surreal. And so exciting.

The door to the plane opened and the Pope emerged into the blazing afternoonheat. With that first glimpse of his white-clad figure, descending the steps, I caught my breath. A cheer went up from the crowd. Hundreds of women dressed in material bearing his image, waved handkerchiefs and started to sing and dance. They wore brightly colored headscarves, each representing a different parish.

The Pontiff himself had added a splash of color to his formal dress—he wore a pair of bright red shoes.

The military band struck up as Pope Benedict was greeted by Benin’s President Thomas YayiBoni and some of Africa’s cardinals and bishops who’d made the journey to welcome him. The 21 gun salute gave me a bit of a scare.
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According to the Vatican Information Service, “this morning in the Sala Regia of the Vatican, Pope Benedict pronounced his traditional annual address to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.”

Pope Benedict XVI addressed his global hunger theme:
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John L Allen’s weekly column in the National Catholic Reporter urges Catholics to join with Pope Benedict XVI to make 2009 the “Year of Africa.”

Allen cites, among others, the following statistics:
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Earlier this week, Pope Benedict XVI sent a message to the International Exposition on Water and Sustainable Development meeting in Zaragoza, Spain in which he emphasized the right of all people, especially those living in poverty, to access clean, safe water. Here is a snippet of what he said:

We have to be aware that, regrettably, water — an essential and indispensable good that the Lord has given us to maintain and develop life — because of incursions and pressures from various social factors, is today considered a good that must be especially protected through clear national and international policies and used according to sensible criteria of solidarity and responsibility. The use of water — which is seen as a universal and inalienable right — is related to the growing and urgent needs of those living in poverty, keeping in mind that the ‘limited access to drinkable water affects the wellbeing of an enormous number of people and is frequently the cause of illness, suffering, conflict, poverty, and also death.’

Read the full text of the Pope’s message.

And you can read about the projects CRS is implementing across the globe to give more people access to clean, healthy water in places like Ethiopia, Brazil and Afghanistan. These projects are improving people’s health, reducing hours wasted collecting and transporting water, and increasing food and incomes by promoting hearty harvests and livestock.

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Washington yesterday. This morning, he will meet with President George Bush at the White House and this evening with the bishops of the United States at the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

To stay informed about the Pope’s visit the Papal Visit Blog. Here, you can read regular updates about what’s happening during the Holy Father’s visit to the United States. You may also want to post your thoughts and reflections about the Pope’s visit in the comments section there.

As Catholics in the United States today celebrate the arrival of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, staff at Catholic Relief Services reflect on his writings and what this visit means to them. This entry is continued from yesterday’s reflections on the Pope’s upcoming visit to the United States.

I was so excited when Chris Tucker [CRS' US regional director for the Mid-Atlantic] announced the volunteer opportunity for CRS staff members and their families. I immediately jumped at the chance to volunteer for this event. I never dreamed I would have an opportunity to see our Holy Father and attend Mass with him. For me this is a blessing, and I am constantly amazed at the many blessings I have received while working with CRS.

Carol Bobick
Executive Assistant, U.S. Operations

The Pope’s visit gives me a unique opportunity to witness a part of history.

Braggil Barnes
Administrative Assistant, Office Services

The Pope’s visit reminds me that my work is inspired by service to others.

Tara Mulligan
Stewardship Officer

As Catholics in the United States prepare for His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI’s first visit, staff at Catholic Relief Services reflect on his writings and what this visit means to them:

I’m truly excited about volunteering and attending the Papal Mass with Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Benedict is truly an inspiration for us all. I wish my Grandfather Holtman was still alive to join me. He was a devoted Catholic and to have such an extraordinary opportunity would be a true blessing, I know he’ll be watching from the Heavens in excitement for me.

In 1987, Pope John Paul II defined the content of solidarity as “a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all.”
This principle of moral responsibility should be used within societies and across societies and cultures in international relations.
I’m proud to be representing the CRS family and thankful to be participating in this blessed social event!

Denise Hallock
Administrative Assistant, CRS Donor Services

There are lots of reasons to be giddy about this opportunity! I want to feel the spiritual energy and excitement of the crowd gathered for the Papal Mass. I am proud to be a representative of CRS at such an important moment for the Church in America. But most importantly, I will be giving this opportunity as a gift to my husband, whose life-long dream has been to see the Pope. And now, we will both worship with him!

Carole Zemont-Ndiaye
CRS Volunteer Program Advisor, U.S. Operations