Jan Paweł II i obecność Stolicy Apostolskiej na Czarnym Lądzie

John Paul II and the presence of the Holy See on the Black Continent I. Africa – discovering an unknown land. Africa – the poorest continent, tormented by numerous plagues, malnutrition, diseases, persistent conflicts. The land of neocolonial expansion of great powers where evangelization brought a marked leap in civilization. II. John Paul II – the missionary of Africa. John Paul II made 14 pilgrimages to Africa, he visited 42 out of the existing 54 countries. He frequently made reference to the history and culture of all of the countries that he visited, he encouraged the development of the native African family culture, he brought hope and made appeals for justice. III. The content of his message, the peculiarity of its recipients. The legacy of John Paul II – numerous speeches and addresses directed to the societies and the faithful of the African continent. The statements concerned the problems of the great regions of the continent. IV. Apostolic Nuntiatures. The Vatican maintains diplomatic relations with the majority of the countries of Africa – there are ca. 40 Apostolic Nuntiatures. The Nuntiatures are a reliable source of information and appreciation of the situation because they receive data from the most remote parts of parishes and missionary stations. V. The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. The dioceses of young Churches are within the missionary jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. This applies to the overwhelming majority of the African countries. VI. The Papal Missionary Works. They were established by Pope Pius XI in 1922. The Papal Works provide all spiritual and material assistance acquired in countries of greater possibilities and prior evangelization to missionary countries, including the countries of Africa. VII. From Ecclesia in Africa to Africae Munus. Ecclesia in Africa is the final document of the Apostolic Adhortation which was proclaimed on 14 September 1995, whereas Africae Munus is the final document of the II Special Assembly for Africa – prepared by John Paul II and called by Benedict XVI. The document was proclaimed on 11 November 2011.