Pope calls for more international involvement in Africa

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI called on Wednesday, Africa Day, for more international involvement in the continent's problems at an audience in Saint Peter's Square attended by a number of African leaders.
"Today is Africa Day. My thoughts and prayers are with the beloved people of Africa," he said.
"I encourage our Catholic institutions to continue giving generous attention to their needs, and I hope and pray that the international community will become ever more involved in the problems of the African continent."
The ceremony was attended notably by Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore, his Malian counterpart Amadou Toumani Toure and Swaziland's Prime Minister Themba Dlamini.

05/25/2005 10:31 GMT