Pope to African leaders: Do not deprive people

Pope Benedict XVI, center, speaks to Catholic faithful at Notre Dame cathedral in Cotonou, Benin Friday, Nov. 18, 2011. Catholics wearing colorful dresses printed with his image greeted him Friday as he embarked on his second trip to Africa, where he plans to outline the church's future for the continent with the fastest growing number of faithful.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Pope Benedict XVI, center, speaks to Catholic faithful at Notre Dame cathedral in Cotonou, Benin Friday, Nov. 18, 2011. Catholics wearing colorful dresses printed with his image greeted him Friday as he embarked on his second trip to Africa, where he plans to outline the church's future for the continent with the fastest growing number of faithful.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Catholic faithful stand n line near a billboard of Pope Benedict XVI with Benin President Yayi Boni, as they wait to enter the airport for the Pope's arrival, in Cotonou, Benin Friday, Nov. 18, 2011. Pope Benedict XVI is returning Friday to Africa, the Roman Catholic Church's fastest-growing region whose pool of aspiring priests are helping to replenish orders in Europe, where congregations are dwindling.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Catholic children wave Benin flags as they wait for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI, near Notre Dame cathedral in Cotonou, Benin Friday, Nov. 18, 2011. Catholics wearing colorful dresses printed with his image greeted him Friday as he embarked on his second trip to Africa, where he plans to outline the church's future for the continent with the fastest growing number of faithful.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Pope Benedict XVI stands with Benin's President Yayi Boni during an airport welcome ceremony in Cotonou, Benin Friday, Nov. 18, 2011. Catholics wearing colorful dresses printed with his image greeted him Friday as he embarked on his second trip to Africa, where he plans to outline the church's future for the continent with the fastest growing number of faithful.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Pope Benedict XVI disembarks from his plane at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Friday, Nov. 18, 2011. Catholics wearing colorful dresses printed with his image greeted him Friday as he embarked on his second trip to Africa, where he plans to outline the church's future for the continent with the fastest growing number of faithful.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

COTONOU, Benin (AP) ? Pope Benedict XVI has made an impassioned plea to Africa's leaders to stop depriving their people of hope.

The pope made his comments during a meeting Saturday with the ruling elite of Benin, a country that has provided a rare example of functioning democracy in the region.

"From this place, I launch an appeal to all political and economic leaders of African countries," Benedict said. "Do not deprive your people of hope. Do not cut them off from their future by mutilating their present. Adopt a courageous, ethical approach to your responsibilities."

The highlight of the pope's 3-day visit is the unveiling of a document outlining the role of the church in Africa ? planned for later Saturday. The thrust of the document explains how church doctrine can be used to address the continent's ills.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2011-11-19-AF-Benin-Pope/id-36c59b5107d040e3830a4a0b3323bda2

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