Pope planning message of hope for first pilgrimage to Africa

POPE Benedict XVI leaves this week on his first trip to Africa — the fastest-growing region for the Roman Catholic church — saying he wants to bring a message of hope to a continent suffering from poverty, disease and armed conflict.

The German-born Pontiff, who has mainly visited the affluent West during his four-year papacy, departs today on a seven-day pilgrimage that will take him to Cameroon and Angola.

The Catholic Church experienced extraordinary growth in Africa over the past century — it now counts nearly 20% of the continent’s population — helped by Pope John Paul II’s visits to 42 countries.