Benedict XVI has called the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops to be held in the Vatican in October 2009.According to a statement released by the Vatican press office, the synod’s theme will be: "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.'"
The first assembly of African Bishops took place in Rome in 1994, and was the basis for Pope John Paul II's apostolic exhortation "Ecclesia in Africa."
In 2004, John Paul announced his intention to convoke a second African synod, citing new challenges and unparalleled growth in the African church.
Benedict XVI confirmed the decision after his election.According to a report based on documents analyzed by the German bishops' conference, the number of Catholics in Africa grew from 1.9 million in 1900 to 130 million in 2000.
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