Welcome Ceremony

 On Wednesday, 14 August 1985, the Holy Father arrived at the Bangui-M'Poko International Airport in the (Central African Republic. The Pope planned to go to Nairobi to close the 43rd International Eucharistic  Congress and also to celebrate the first beatification of a Zairian nun in Kinshasa.

1. I am happy to be able to visit you, dear people of the Central African Republic, to greet you, to receive the witness of the Church that lives among you, and to encourage her in her mission. I regret not being able to stay with you longer, given the intense program already planned. As you know, I am going to Nairobi to close the 43rd International Eucharistic Congress, and also to Kinshasa to celebrate the first beatification of a Zairian nun. I have eagerly looked forward to taking this opportunity to visit your nation and several other African countries. I want to assure you that the Successor of Peter lives near your country, nestled in the heart of Africa and perhaps somewhat isolated. I had already had the joy of receiving your bishops in Rome in November 1982. Today I return the visit to them and to all their Christian people.

And I sincerely thank you, Mr. President of the Central African Republic, for having personally desired this visit of the Pope to your country, and for having facilitated this pastoral visit by making arrangements that allowed it to be fruitful, despite its short duration.

2. In most African countries in this region, evangelization began precisely a century ago. For you, it was ninety years ago. I think of the true epic of the pioneers: Monsignor Augouard, then Monsignor Grandin, and all the Spiritan missionaries, Capuchins, Comboni Missionaries, "fidei donum" priests, brothers and religious, and lay people, who did not hesitate to open a path to you, to share with you the Christian faith they themselves had received. No one owns this unheard-of gift of God. Since Jesus sent his apostles to teach and baptize all peoples, who would hesitate to propose, in his name, this good news that assures us of God's love, frees us from fear and sin, and impels us to build a fraternal civilization? The foreign priests and religious who continue to devote their strength and the dedication of their hearts to you for your love are still numerous and much needed. I thank them on behalf of all of you and on behalf of the universal Church.

They had the joy of seeing that your land willingly welcomed the seed of the Gospel. A significant number of Central Africans accepted Baptism or prepared for it. Some became priests or religious men and women. One of them received the fullness of the priesthood, Bishop Joachim N'Dayen, to exercise the episcopal ministry in this capital and preside over the Conference of his brother bishops. Yes, I find here a living, worthy Church... And today I visit her to give thanks with her, to confirm her in her apostolic commitment, so that her presence may be among the people like leaven in the dough. We will join in this prayer shortly, during the Eucharist.

3. But beyond the family of Catholics who fully share my faith, I know that many others have come here to greet me upon my arrival in the country, will attend our prayer meeting, or are in some way interested in my pastoral visit. Some identify with us as disciples of Christ the Savior. Others are children of Islam. Still others are followers of the traditional religions of this country. A certain religious sense brings us together, as does the search for the true good of humanity, which is also a gift from God. I deeply appreciate the presence of the national and local authorities, and of the members of the Diplomatic Corps; I am sensitive to the coming of so many individuals and families of this dear people. To all I express my thanks, my esteem, and my cordial wishes for happiness and peace.

In the capital of this country, in the presence of those responsible for the common good, I extend my best wishes to the entire Central African nation. Along the path to its destiny, it has experienced many trials that, we hope, are now a thing of the past. And you are all aware of the difficulties that remain in strengthening peace while maintaining essential freedoms, in consolidating a climate of trust and fraternity, respecting the rights of each person and actively and loyally cooperating for the general good, in ensuring economic development while establishing fair living conditions for all and seeking to assist those most in need. But I am convinced that this people possesses the moral resources necessary to meet these challenges with dignity. My stay among you is also intended to be a source of comfort and hope on this level.

May the Lord help us!

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