While the Western media remains preoccupied with Pope Benedict XVI's brief remarks on condoms and AIDS, the pontiff has articulated a much broader message of hope to African Catholics in Cameroon. While the tragedy of AIDS has cut short the lives of millions of Africans, there are paradoxical signs of hope to be found in the huge surge in Christian conversions, yielding a new generation of fervent believers and increasing the ranks of Catholic priests and women religious. During a Mass for 40,000 in Cameroon, the pope introduced the themes of his "working paper" for the Synod in Africa, scheduled to take place in Rome this October. He urged the Church in Africa "not to retire into herself,” and to adopt a “more prophetic role” that will shape the larger social and political structures.
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