On Saturday, August 12, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, will preside over the episcopal ordination of Monsignor Benimote, in Ondjiva, appointed in June by the Pope, his representative in Pakistan. Today, arriving in Luanda with a welcome from representatives of the Church and the Government and an affectionate welcome from the faithful: “I am glad to be here. It is the first time.”
Salvatore Cernosio – Vatican News
With songs, dances and applause from a group of nuns and women in traditional dress, Cardinal Pietro Parolin was received by the Secretary of State on Friday, August 11 in Luanda, Angola. In the African country, the Cardinal will preside, on Saturday, August 12, the episcopal ordination ceremony of the first Angolan ambassador, Monsignor Germano Benimote, appointed by the Pope on June 16, as his representative in Pakistan.
First time in Angola
For Cardinal Parolin, who has already visited Africa on several occasions, this is the first time he has been to Angola. “I am very happy to be here,” he told the group of believers who welcomed him outside the Luanda embassy. “It’s the first time I’ve been here.” “Thank you very much,” said the Cardinal, adding, “I also offer you the blessing of Pope Francis. Although there is no time, as we are going to Ondjiva immediately, I know that the entire Angolan Church will be present at the ordination of the first Apostolic Nuncio of these lands.”
The ordination Mass of Monsignor Benemotti will take place in the Diocese of Ondieva, Cuneni Province, at 9:30 am (8:30 am in Rome) on Saturday, August 12th. On Sunday, the 13th, the Secretary of State will return to the Diocese of Luanda to pray with the community of São Paulo.
Parolin at the Papal Nunciature in Luanda
Faithful reception
Cardinal Parolin arrived on the morning of Friday, August 11, at the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport, in Luanda, where he was received by some Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST), by the faithful and representatives of the Church. government. Then he went to the embassy to warmly welcome the faithful, with whom he recited the Our Father. There he was received by the papal representation, and then there was a prayer service in the church.
Possible Pope’s Journey
In an interview with local media, Cardinal Parolin reiterated that he is in Angola for his episcopal ordination: “I thought it was a good opportunity to highlight this event.” “An important event for the universal Church and for this land,” he repeated, “which he had never been to before”: “I wanted to be here on this precious occasion.” He added that the ordination of Ambassador Benemot “has a special relationship with Rome, because the bishop who will be ordained will be the representative of the Pope, and he is the first representative of the pontiff coming from this land.” Asked about a possible trip by Pope Francis to Angola, the foreign minister said: “Who knows! I’m not a prophet, but I think the Pope is very interested in a possible trip and has already said he would like to come here on a forthcoming trip to Angola. Africa. I think he wishes from With all his heart to come here.”
A group of faithful greets Cardinal Parolin
