October 31, 2011. (Romereports.com) The bishops of Angola and Sao Tomé met with the pope recently, during their ad limina visit. After the bishops sang their welcoming song, the pope focused on three main points. One of them was on traditional marriage. The pope said the low number of Catholic marriages in those areas, shows a lack of spiritual maturity. He asked the bishops to promote a traditional family life amid a culture of co-habitation.


Benedict XVI
 “The first problem is couples living together before marriage. This contradicts God's plan for generations and the human family.”

The pope then talked about the danger  of combining Christianity with some traditional African religions, some of which practice witchcraft. Even though baptized, some people fall into the cultural practices of witchcraft. The pope condemned these acts, which at times even lead to the murder of children and the elderly.  
 
Benedict XVI
“But through the grace of Baptism, they are called to renounce these prevailing trends. They must go against this, guided by the spirit of Beatitudes.”

The pope recognized that discrimination among tribes is a challenging reality, that must be overcome. He thanked the bishops for taking on their pastoral mission, in areas that usually don't welcome foreigners.


KLH
CTV
JM
BN