In his speech, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Cult of God and the Discipline of the Sacraments also mentioned "the problems and challenges of African society". Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Darfour, the Ivory Coast and Nigeria give "cause for concern", says Arinze, along with the "poverty, squalor and above all Aids", which "have taken their toll on a large part of the population". At the same time, he continued, "over the last 12 years, Africa has seen positive events take place in these spheres as well, such as the gradual shift from apartheid to democracy in South-Africa, the opposition parties winning the elections without contrasts in Senegal, Ghana, Malawi and Zambia, and significant steps towards wider democratisation in many countries". On its part, "the Catholic Church, without claiming to have a political or economic mission, is aware it must help, by preaching the Gospel, to call people to convert their hearts, to respect people’s rights, to take their responsibility, to reconciliation, mercy and harmony". The African dioceses are going in this direction, while many Bishops Conferences have justice and peace tasks that help educate the citizens about their voting rights and duties. Refugees and exiles see the Church as one of the few institutions that can take care of them and put a smile on their faces".
