Vatican official says African issues need to be given priority

Published: 2003-12-01

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The church and the world need to give priority assistance to Africa to help the continent face an ongoing crisis in health, economics and social development, Cardinal Renato R. Martino said. Cardinal Martino, head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, announced that the council would be sponsoring several events focusing on African situations and needs over the coming months. The cardinal made the remarks Nov. 27 in Rome, addressing a meeting on the theme: "Africa: The Hope of a Fragile Continent." Cardinal Martino said, "It is an imperative of moral and political solidarity for the entire international community to give a future of hope to Africa."

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