Pope hands over 'Africa road map'

Pope Benedict XVI formally handed over to church authorities in Benin a detailed pastoral guide which articulates his spiritual vision for Africa.

Religious publications have dubbed it a “papal road map for Africa”.

The 87-page document explains how church doctrine, especially the practice of turning the other cheek, can be put to use to heal rifts in Africa.

Today at Cotonou’s soccer stadium, Benedict presided over an open-air mass that drew thousands. During the mass, he ceremoniously handed over “Africae munus,” Latin for “Africa’s Commitment” to the country’s church fathers.

Africa is the fastest-growing region for the Roman Catholic Church, helping breathe life into a church that has seen a steep decline in Europe.