"Peace, the supreme asset of all people, is particularly urgent in the African continent, which is still affected by several conflicts, such as the one in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which stands out for its proportions and its humanitarian emergency". This was stated by mgr. Nikola Eteroviæ, secretary general of the Episcopal Synod, as he opened, a few days ago, the 17th meeting of the Council of the General Secretariat of the Episcopal Synod for the Special Assembly for Africa. As to the meting that took place in Rome on November 27th and 28th, the Vatican Newsroom has issued a release today. During the meeting, the social, political and ecclesial situation in Africa has been briefly mentioned, with "signs of hope, mostly due to the dynamism of the Church as well as to challenges in several areas of evangelisation and human promotion: peace, justice, education, health care". The Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Episcopal Synod will take place in the Vatican from October 4th to 25th 2009, on: "The Church in Africa at the service of reconciliation, justice and peace, ‘You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world’ (Mt 5, 13.14)". Benedict XVI will give the Instrumentum laboris during his apostolic visit to Cameroon in March 2009. ” “
